A HEROIC veteran who protected convoys from the skies during the Second World War has been honoured with the new Arctic Star medal.

Henry Brian Cookson, of Heathlands Residential Home, Pershore, was presented with the award, which acknowledges the severe and difficult conditions experienced by all servicemen who were assigned on patrols to the Soviet Union.

He was given the award by Group Captain Mark Heffron, Commanding Officer of RAF High Wycombe, with cadets of 233 Squadron Pershore in attendance.

The honour comes 68 years after the war finished. The 97-year-old, who is known as Brian, was only 24 when he joined the RAF in 1940.

After two years of training and a broken leg, he joined 612 Squadron Whitley in 1942 and was deployed to the North Atlantic where he carried out anti U-Boat patrols.

In November, 1942, Mr Cookson converted to 210 Squadron where he carried out the same U-Boat patrols in the North Atlantic and Arctic seas, while also assisting 78 Royal Navy Ships which offered protection to merchant navy vessels on the dangerous journey to northern Russia.

The missions were arduous and Mr Cookson could often be in the air for 24 hours. Despite the extremely treacherous circumstances, including freezing weather conditions, stormy seas and constant enemy fire resulting in the loss of 3,000 lives, Mr Cookson says they did what they had to for their country.

“We were simply doing what we had to do for our country,” he said. “However, I can only describe my time on the convoys as absolute hell, so I am very pleased that we are finally getting recognition and having our efforts acknowledged.”

Following his service in 210 Squadron, Mr Cookson was relocated to Scotland where he acted as a bombing leader and played an important role in developing the Leigh Light, a powerful searchlight used by the RAF.

Anita Fletcher, manager at Heathlands, said: “Brian is a lovely man and a very special resident – we are delighted to be sharing this achievement with him.”