Newton Mearns veteran awarded medal by Russia for his Second World War bravery

Edwin Leadbetter served with the Royal Navy during the Second World War, taking part in many daring voyages, from defending the convoys to pulling men out of the freezing ocean after their ships were torpedoed.

He joined the Navy at 18 and was deployed aboard HMS Fencer, an Attacker Class Escort Aircraft Carrier, as a quartermaster, and saw service on the Atlantic Convoys, Norwegian Campaign, North Sea and the Arctic Convoys.

Edwin stayed in the Navy until 1954, before working in a shipyard and as a lorry driver.

More recently, he has been supported by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity to enable him to continue living independently.

The medal was awarded to Edwin for his help in defeating Nazi Germany 75 years ago.

From August 1941 to May 1945, the convoys delivered more than four million tons of cargo to Russia including at least 7000 airplanes, 5000 tanks, trucks, tires, fuel, food and other raw material.

Edwin has also been awarded the Ushakov Medal, which will be personally presented to him within the Russian Consulate in Edinburgh by the Russian Consulate General once lockdown is lifted.