A SECOND World War veteran who undertook the “worst journey in the world” three times is to receive a new honour.

The Russian government is to present 90-year-old Norman Waller with the Medal of Ushakov in Scarborough today (Saturday, June 27).

Mr Waller’s award is for his role in the three separate Arctic convoys.

In 1943, aged just 18, he sailed from Scotland to Murmansk, escorting merchant vessels through German blockades to ensure the safe delivery of supplies including food, medicine and weapons to Russia.

Mr Waller, who lives in Scarborough, sailed on a destroyer which had originally served in the First World War.

“It was intended for a crew of 110, and there were 200 of us on board,” he said.

“We were living in each other’s pockets, and received 3d a day hard-lying money in compensation. Water was short, too, so we could get another 3d a day for not shaving.

“We used to say that there were two main enemies – the German submarines and aircraft – but the sea was the third. Average waves were 60 feet high, and the spray would come over the ship and freeze before it hit the deck.”

When they arrived in Murmansk, they had to turn straight round and head back again.

The Russian Ambassador’s citation says: “What you did 70 years ago, taking part in what Sir Winston Churchill rightly called the worst journey in the world, was extraordinary even among what is considered to be beyond the call of duty.

“Thousands of allied seamen lost their lives as the British ships sailed in the unwelcoming, stormy waters of the Arctic Ocean under a constant threat of being attached by German U-boats and aircraft.

“Your heroism will always be remembered in Russia and Britain.”

The medal will be presented as part of Scarborough’s Armed Forces Day by the Mayor of Scarborough, Councillor Tom Fox. A citation will be read by local MP Robert Goodwill on behalf of the Russian Ambassador Alexander Yakvenko.