Valentin Alexandrovich SOLDATOV

    Valentin Alexandrovich SOLDATOV, DOB 22.04.1929. His father was a WWI soldier. In June 1943 at the age 14, he volunteered for the Solovky Naval Cadet School of the Northern Fleet. After a 10-month training course he became a highly qualified specialist for the Soviet Navy – boatswain.   His torpedo boat squadron (equipped with UK Vosper-type boats and ELCO type boats made in the USA) escorted the Arctic convoys in Russian coastal waters. He was awarded military decorations including the Order of the Red Star, the Order of the Patriotic War, the Medal "For the Defence of the Soviet Transarctic" and the Ushakov Medal. He retired from the Navy in Oct.1952.