Bryanston World War II veteran recognised by Russia
BRYANSTON - Resident Fred Haslett was awarded a medal in recognition of his services to Russia during World War II.
Haslett (91) was presented the medal of Ushakov at his home of 56 years by Russian ambassador to South Africa, Mikhail Petrakov. He was being recognised for the role he played while he served in the Royal Navy.
The medal was commissioned in 1944 to honour the courage and bravery of personnel in defence of the Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation. The medal was extended to recognise foreign naval personnel, essentially those who served on the Russian convoys during World War II.
Russian authorities have spent five years to find those who have served courageously in the war, and Haslett has emerged as one of those to be officially recognised by Russia.
Haslett was only 19 years old when he served on the ship, HMS Bluebell in September 1942. The ship sustained attacks by German U-boats and aircraft, however, the convoy Haslett was a part of managed to successfully reach its destination – although 13 other merchant ships had been lost during the attacks.
The convoys sailed mainly from Britain via Iceland to the northern ports of Russia – primarily Archangel and Murmansk – to supply Russia with firepower, equipment and other supplies for its struggle against the German Nazis.
Haslett has lived in Bryanston for most of his life and has three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is still very active and plays golf in his spare time.
