A Second World War hero has been honoured for his bravery in the Arctic Convoys transporting crucial supplies to Russia.

Robert Dougan, 92, is one of only 19 surviving British sailors to be awarded the Ushakov Medal by the Russian Ambassador on behalf of President Putin.

The pensioner, from Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, was unable to travel to the Russian Embassy in London for his award.

But, accompanied by his wife Jan, it was presented to him at special ceremony in his home town by MP John Nicolson last week.

Glasgow Times:

Mr Nicolson said: “Arctic Convoy veterans like Mr Dougan played a major role during the Second World War as they bravely transported supplies to Russia.

“These journeys were often perilous as the convoys found themselves under attack both from their enemies and from the appalling Arctic weather conditions.

“The decision to award veterans like Mr Dougan the Ushakov Medal rightly recognizes the efforts and sacrifices that were made throughout Europe during the war.”

Robert signed up to the war effort on September 5, 1939, when he was just 15-years-old.

By the time he was 16, he was a member of the crew of HMS Norfolk, sailing, what some referred to as, ‘suicide missions’ to Murmansk and Archangel as part of the Arctic Convoys’.

He sailed in 17 different convoys on HMS Norfolk, and two convoys on HMS Devonshire.

The Norfolk was one of the first ships to sight German battleship, the Bismarck, which was sunk in the Battle of the Denmark Strait in 1943.

The Norfolk also played an important part in the sinking of the Scharnhorst at the Battle of the North Cape.

The convoys provided a lifeline for the Russians enabling the Red Army to repel the Nazi invasion on the Eastern Front.

One hundred and one British ships were lost and at least 3000 British men and women perished, but the convoys were crucial to the success of the allied forces.

The Ushakov Medal, named after the patron saint of the Russian Navy, was created in March 1944.

In a letter to Mr Dougan, the Russian Ambassador, Dr A Yakovenko wrote: “Your heroism will always be remembered in Russia and Britain.”

Local MSP Rona Mackay added: “It was such a privilege to meet Bob and his wife Janet. We cannot forget the service people like him gave to this country.”

After the war Robert worked as a telephone engineer and a foreman electrician at Rolls Royce.

He and his wife have four grandsons and a granddaughter.