During the Second World War, John Darby served in what was one of the conflict's most perilous theatres of operations. Now, 70 years on, he has been given an award for his role in the Arctic convoys. He told ROSA MCMAHON about how he helped take the fight to the Germans.

Eastern Daily Press: John Darby, 92, pictured with his Ushakov Medal.Picture: ANTONY KELLYJohn Darby, 92, pictured with his Ushakov Medal.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

They performed a vital role, keeping the Soviet Union supplied and in the fight against Nazi Germany - but at great risk and cost. The Arctic convoys of merchant vessels which made the treacherous trek across the sea to northern Russia did so against the constant threat of German submarines, surface ships and aircraft.

Escorting the ships were warships, to provide a line of defence against attack. Among those who undertook this perilous task was Lieutenant John Darby, an airman who a Swordfish, a biplane flown from the escorting aircraft carriers.

Seventy years on from the end of the war, Mr Darby, now 92 and from Mill Loak, Horning, has been honoured for his role in the convoys.

He is the latest veteran from the campaign to receive an Ushakov Medal from the Russian authorities. Earlier this month, we reported how Jack Smith, of Poringland, who also served on the convoys, had received the honour.

Eastern Daily Press: John Darby, 92, recipient of the Ushakov Medal. Pictured with 825 squadron, back row second from leftPicture: ANTONY KELLYJohn Darby, 92, recipient of the Ushakov Medal. Pictured with 825 squadron, back row second from leftPicture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Mr Darby, a former Norwich School pupil, volunteered for the armed services aged 17 and joined the Fleet Air Arm. He served as a navigator in a Swordfish aircraft, and served on the Arctic route between 1943 and 1944.

The aircraft - which had open cockpits - were used to patrol the seas, guarding against attackers and attacking them where they were found.

'We went on an air craft carrier up to Russia, flying every day and every night,' he said.

'It would take about 10 days to get up there and we used to be attacked by submarines and aircraft as we went. We were armed all the time and always under attack, loosing quite a few ships and aircraft.

Eastern Daily Press: John Darby, 92, pictured with an interpreter receiving his Ushakov Medal from the Russian Embassy in London. Picture: ANTONY KELLYJohn Darby, 92, pictured with an interpreter receiving his Ushakov Medal from the Russian Embassy in London. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

'The trouble is they knew our place were quite deadly. Whenever we got anywhere near a submarine, they would dive. We used to mark the spots and then the destroyers would go off and find them.'

He added: 'We never thought of ourselves as heroes at the time. We realised that what we were doing was terribly important, but I don't think we ever thought we were heroes. We were young men realising we were in great danger.'

More than 3,000 men died during the maritime campaign, which Winston Churchill described as the 'worst journey in the world'.

Mr Darby, a great grandfather, visited the Russian Embassy in London with his son Andrew last month to be presented with the medal.

Do you have a story about your war service? Email rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk or call 01603 772453.