THE commander of HMS Ledbury, which played a vital role in the Malta convoy, has died in New Zealand, aged 90.

Lt-Cdr Roger Hill was awarded a DSO and a DSC in the course of his exemplary service as a destroyer commander during the Second World War.

Lt-Cdr Hill took command of HMS Ledbury in summer 1942, which, after Russian escort duty, was assigned as escort to Operation Pedestal, a convoy carrying vital supplies for Malta. The island was a crucial base for hitting German supply lines to Rommel's forces in North Africa and Pedestal was recognised by both sides as vital to its future.

The convoy was assaulted by 1,000 enemy aircraft, U-Boats and E-Boats and suffered heavily in forcing its way through.

Lt-Cdr Hill took Ledbury through the merchant ships to the head of the column to reach a better place to attack the planes. Nearing Malta, Pedestal again came under attack by JU88s, in what Mr Hill later described in his memoirs as "a mother and father of an attack".

He finally shepherded a disabled Ohio towards Malta to be greeted by bands playing and people cheering and shouting.

Lt-Cdr Hill received the signal "Well Done" from the Prime Minister Winston Churchill and was awarded his DSO.