Russia still appreciates British sailors’ help

WHENEVER President Putin of Russia launches into an anti-British vitriolic attack, he often starts off by thanking our sailors who served on the Arctic Convoys during World War Two.

Of 78 convoys that sailed to Arctic Russia between 1941 and 1944, we lost 85 merchant ships and 16 Royal Navy warships. To this day, the Russian people are deeply appreciative of the sacrifice made by our sailors in keeping their country supplied with weapons and food during their darkest days fighting the Nazi war machine.

Having sailed these waters, I can testify to the appalling conditions of ice and weather that are often encountered, so the hardships endured by these brave British sailors when under attack by air and sea must have been indescribable.

I was saddened but proud to read of the death of Leslie Earp, aged 95, of Allenton, who served in the Royal Navy during the war, including on Arctic Convoys “How heroic tales of Arctic convoys veteran inspired a new generation to join the Navy” (December 13).

Derby may be a land-locked city but we have a proud history of men and women who have served in the Royal and Merchant Navy both in war and in peace.

Throughout my 44-year career in the Merchant Navy and Royal Navy Reserve, I often visited Russian ports. Derby people may be interested to learn that, thanks to people like Leslie Earp, post-war British sailors like me hardly ever had to put their hands into their pockets when in Russia.

I am sure Leslie’s family and friends must be very proud of this man who served his country with honour. In the Merchant Navy we believe that when a sailor dies his soul takes the wings of the albatross allowing him to follow in the wake of whatever ship takes his fancy.

Some may discount this theory but not I; whenever I stood on the bridge wing with an albatross flying within an arm’s length, I would look the bird in the eye and wonder if I was looking at my own reflection.

Peter J Newton, Chellaston