Cyril Phillips
A SECOND World War veteran who received the Medal of Ushakov for his role aboard Arctic convoys has said it was a “wonderful surprise”.
Cyril Phillips, 89, who lives at Cotman Lodge, in Chelmsford, was presented with the medal by the Russian Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko at a commemorative ceremony held at the Russian Embassy.
As a symbol of gratitude, the medal is awarded on behalf of the Russian people to all of the Allied sailors who served on the Arctic convoys which transported supplies, cargo and ammunition to the Soviet Union during the war.
In 1943, as an 18-year-old, Cyril volunteered to join the Royal Navy and served as a stoker aboard the destroyer.
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