A ROYAL Navy veteran from Ammanford who took part in what Churchill labelled “the worst journey in the world” has been recognised not once, but twice by the Russian government.

Sidney Smart, from Ammanford, was 19 years old when he and his comrades set off with the Arctic Convoys on a mission to deliver naval minelayers to Murmansk on the northern coast of Russia.

“It was 1944 and I was on cruiser called Dido,” said Sidney, now 89.

“There were more than 600 people on board and our operation was to escort a Welshman, a Manxman, and an Ulster man to Russia so they could lay mines in the pathway of the German U-boats.

“And let me tell you they were successful at it too.”

The Arctic convoys played a vital role in supplying Russia in the latter part of the Second World War and were under constant attack from Germany’s notorious submarine.

Dido was one of the fastest ships in the Navy and journeys to the extreme northwest of Russia lasted a month at a time.

“I was at sea for more than a year in total,” added Sidney. “I was allowed a short leave home once or twice but it wasn’t for long as our trips were vital for supplying the Russians with food and other materials.”

Sidney has already been honoured once by the Russians after Vladimir Putin announced that convoy veterans were to be awarded the Ushakov medal in recognition of their courage.

“The news to say that I had been awarded the Ushakov medal came completely out of the blue back in December,” said Sidney.

“I was invited by the Russian government to attend a ceremony at the City Hall in Cardiff where I was fortunate to meet 57 other naval men who had also been a part of the Russian Convoy – it was an amazing day.

“Then on Wednesday I received another medal through the post – which also took me by surprise.

“I received it for my invaluable contribution in assisting to defeat the Nazi Germany and for taking part in ‘The Worst Journey in the World.’”