Recognition for Arctic convoy vet

A RETIRED telegraph officer is among up to a dozen Russian Arctic convoy veterans from around the Lothians set to receive full recognition for their brave deeds during the Second World War.

William Pender, 91, was among those charged with supplying Russia with vital fuel, food and munitions.

Mr Pender, from Livingston, West Lothian, later served in Burma, Malaya and the Mediterranean.

Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday announced the findings of a review which said Arctic veterans should have their own medal to mark “the very difficult work they did”.

The convoys sailed mainly from Loch Ewe in Wester Ross, batting sub-zero temperatures and the risk of submarine and battleship attacks.

Yesterday’s decision ends years of campaigning for proper recognition.