A WAR veteran from the county was honoured by the Royal Navy on the 75th anniversary of the Arctic convoys at an event in Liverpool on Monday.

Jim Simpson, 94, from Inveresk, a petty officer on HMS Devonshire, transported vital supplies from Britain to Soviet ports, enduring what Winston Churchill once described as “the worst journey in the world”.

With the help of Legion Scotland (Royal British Legion Scotland), he joined other veterans for a reception at Liverpool Town Hall, followed by a ceremony onboard Type 45 Destroyer HMS Dragon.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones and Defence Minister Lord Howe also attended the event.

The heroism of Mr Simpson and his fellow veterans was remembered, as well as the sacrifice of more than 3,000 men who lost their lives on the Arctic convoys. Conditions were among the worst faced by any allied sailors, and the loss rate for ships was higher than any other route.

Back on deck after more than 70 years, Mr Simpson was joined by current Royal Navy sailor Lee Campbell, 25, from Chirnside, Berwickshire.

He paid tribute to Mr Simpson, saying: “Jim’s service helps build that sense of pride you get from being part of the Royal Navy. You know you are part of a unique and revered legacy.”

Mr Simpson said: “It was a super day. Being on-board a Royal Navy ship again made the memories flood back. I’m wondering if they still need recruits!”

Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell, said: “The Arctic convoys played a crucial role during the Second World War, with thousands of Scots enduring perilous conditions as they sailed from Loch Ewe and the Clyde to deliver supplies to Russia. It is important that we remember the bravery and sacrifice of all those who took part. I am pleased that 75 years later we continue to show our gratitude to those veterans.”

Kevin Gary MM, CEO of Legion Scotland, said: “Legion Scotland is absolutely delighted to be able to assist Jim and his wife Sybil in attending the 75th anniversary of the Arctic Convoys in Liverpool. The trip and the event will allow these Arctic convoy veterans to reunite in comradeship and have the opportunity to share stories with each other like only those who experienced the same extreme conditions could ever relate to.

“The opportunity to provide comradeship and friendship lies at the very heart of what Legion Scotland provides for Scotland’s ex-service community so we are delighted to be able to offer support for his trip and hope he has a wonderful time.”

Mr Simpson left the Royal Navy in 1946 after serving for four years, at the end of which he brought German U-boats back to Scapa Flow.

He came back in the eyes of the nation a hero, but said: “I never thought of myself in that way, I was just there to do a job. Even now, everyone wants to hear my story but my whole focus was doing the best I could, the best job, and I had a lot of help along the way.”

Back in civvy street, he had a career in the building trade, becoming a director of the Walker Group.

His abiding memories from his time in the Arctic Convoys and Royal Navy were helping to attack U-boats with depth charges, getting drunk in Scapa Flow and having to sneak back onto the ship, and escorting Winston Churchill to America.