A FORMER sailor who embarked on what Winston Churchill described as "the worst journey in the world" during the Second World War was honoured when he was presented with a medal at the Russian Embassy this week for the role he played in the notorious Arctic convoys.

Arthur Hodkinson, now a resident of a care home in Amersham, was awarded the prestigious Ushakov Medal by the Russian Ambassador to the UK on Tuesday.

Arthur, now 94, was 19 when World War Two broke out. He joined The Senior Service, also known as the Royal Navy, and was posted on frigates which were tasked with escorting merchant ship convoys and destroying German U boats.

He was on the notorious Arctic convoys which helped to break the German blockade of Russia, where crews worked in brutal conditions and in sub-zero temperatures. The mission is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous missions that British sailors ever embarked upon, leading to Churchill's famous comments.

In recognition of his contribution to help Russia, President Vladimir Putin has awarded him the Ushakov Medal, which was named in honour of Russian Admiral Ryodor Ushakov, who never lost a battle and was proclaimed patron saint of the Russian Navy.

Arthur said he was surprised to learn he was to be get the award, which he described as "a great honour" but said that at the time sailors did not consider the enormity of their mission.

He said: "It was something that we were ordered to do and (we) didn't have time to think."

Arthur said his ship escorted the Russian convoy from Canada to Moscow, and took supplies from America and Canada to Russia in what he described as "appalling conditions".

He was presented with his medal in London by the Ambassador, Alexander Yakovenko. Jim Matthews, Chairman of Rayners (Extra Care) Home where Arthur is a resident, said: "It was great to see Arthur awarded this medal. He was involved in one of the most important and gruelling missions during World War Two and we are truly delighted that he is being recognised for his achievements. We are all very proud of his achievement and the residents and staff celebrated with him over a glass of champagne on his return from the Russian Embassy."