A second World War veteran has spoken of his surprise after receiving a medal for serving with the Royal Navy 55 years ago.

Basil Harris has been sent a commemorative medal from the Greek Embassy for helping to keep the nation's islands free from Nazi attacks.

He has also received a letter signed by the defence attache at the Hellenic Embassy plus a certificate written in Greek "in respect of services rendered" for the 1941-1945 campaign.

Mr Harris, 75, of Kelvedon Road, Tiptree, served as an ack-ack gunner on cruiser HMS Ajax, which patrolled the Mediterranean including the Greek Islands and Malta, after volunteering for service.

He said: "There was talk about getting a medal for what we did at the time, but people just laughed and nothing happened and now I get one.

"It would have meant more to have it at the time than now. It could go with the other service medals I have, including my brother's," he added.

Mr Harris, a father of five and grandfather of nine, was born in Maldon and lived in Little Totham for 50 years until moving to Tiptree.

After the war HMS Ajax went to Freetown in South Africa and then headed for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a party before returning home.

Mr Harris's brother served in the RAF but was killed when the Americans bombed a Japanese warship housing prisoners-of-war off Singapore.

Mr Harris said: "It would be nice to be able to trace anyone else who has got a medal or served on Ajax.

"I have not had any luck so far."

Anyone who served on HMS Ajax or received a medal like Mr Harris can call 01621 852233 or 01206 508419.

It's an honour - ex-Royal Navy veteran Basil Harris with the medal has received 55 years after his service.

Picture: STEPHANIE MACKRILL

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