Arctic Convoys veteran dies at the age of 92

A veteran of the Arctic Convoys during the second world war has died at the age of 92.

Mr Dennis Starbuck was an able seaman as part of a crew that made dangerous trips amid the threat of attack by German U-boats to deliver vital supplies to the Soviet Union.

Thousands of seamen lost their lives and Winston Churchill was said to have called it “the worst journey in the world.”

In later years Mr Starbuck, of Riverside Road, Newark, was recognised by both the Russian and French governments.

Mr Jim Cragg, vice-chairman of the Royal Naval Association’s Newark branch, worked on Mr Starbuck’s behalf for recognition from Russia through the award of the Ushakov Medal.

A presentation was made at Nottingham’s Council House in November 2015.

'One of the nicest blokes I have ever met'

Mr Cragg said: “Dennis taught me what the Navy was about when he was in the war, and I learned that they had a hell of a life.

“The Arctic Convoys went into extremely dangerous areas and not that many ships got through.

“I was very pleased Dennis was recognised. I wanted him to get what he was entitled to.

“He was one of the nicest blokes that I have ever met.”

Mr Starbuck joined the Navy as a 17-year-old, in 1942.

He also took part in the Battle of the Atlantic and the invasion of Normandy.

Speaking to the Advertiser in 2015 about his memories of the war, Mr Starbuck said: “Sometimes you would be with lads and the next day they would be blown up.

“It was scary. It was heartbreaking.”

He also received the Arctic Star, issued by the British government, for his role on the Arctic Convoys.

In October last year he was awarded France’s highest decoration, the Legion d’Honneur, in a ceremony at Newark Town Hall.

Mr Starbuck was honoured for his part in the D-Day landings of June 1944.

Speaking at the time, he said: “It is a great honour. I am overwhelmed.”

Mr Starbuck’s funeral will be at Christ Church, Newark, at 11am on Monday.