Merchant navy veteran '˜elated' with war medal after seven-decade battle for recognition

It came after a battle for recognition lasting seven decades.

James Rhodes, 90, put his life on the line when he was ordered to serve on Dutch ships across the Atlantic when he was just 17-years-old.

Operating in dangerous waters close to the American shore from 1944, the ships would work alongside navy destroyers when transporting vital goods and materials necessary for the war effort.

The Waterlooville pensioner witnessed ships being blown up by the Nazis and Allies while at sea.

Mr Rhodes’s bravery and efforts during the war saw him presented with slippers, a wallet and scarf by the Netherland’s Queen Wilhelmina but he never received a medal following the war despite being told he was entitled to one.

The Dutch embassy told James he did not qualify for a medal until a dramatic u-turn decades later.

James said: ‘I went off as a 17-year-old across the world on Dutch ships to deliver goods like oil and wood where enemy U-boats were waiting.

Our destroyers escorted us through difficult waters where we had to zig-zag so we wouldn’t be found.

‘I wasn’t scared — we just did what we had to do. We didn’t see the enemy but we knew they were there.

‘I saw ships blown out of the water.

‘Our efforts received recognition from Queen Wilhelmina who gave us gifts with tears in her eyes because she was so grateful.’

But following the war James heard nothing from the Dutch embassy and decided to get in touch after he was told his efforts warranted a medal.

‘I was told “no, no, no” whenever I contacted the embassy about the medal. After years of trying I just gave up before recently I was suddenly sent a letter of apology, a certificate and a medal.

‘The certificate read “as a token of our gratitude for contributing to the liberation of World War Two”.

‘I was so elated when I received it. It’s very unique as not many people served on Dutch ships.’