TRIBUTES have been paid at the funeral of the Arctic convoy veteran who campaigned to get medals for his colleagues.
Henry "Jock" Dempster, 85, from Dunbar in East Lothian, died earlier this month after suffering a stroke.
Mr Dempster received his medal from Prime Minister David Cameron just two months ago, after a decades-long campaign.
Family and Mr Dempster's former colleagues paid tribute to the campaigner, who was laid to rest yesterday in a coffin draped in the merchant navy flag. More than 200 people paid their respects at Dunbar Parish Church. Many wore the white berets of Arctic convoy veterans, who braved freezing temperatures and U-boat attacks to deliver vital supplies during the Second World War.
After a service by Rev Gordon Stevenson, the coffin was led out of the church by five standard bearers, carrying the Arctic convoy standard, the Merchant Navy standard and standards for the British Legion.
Mourners were told of Mr Dempster's love of the sea, which began in childhood when he and a friend were rescued by the coastguard after rowing across Montrose Basin in a metal bath tub, using sticks as oars.
Neil Pickles, a former RAF colleague and friend of 47 years, said: "Jock and all who served were finally euphoric when the Government announced the award of the Arctic Star.
"Jock's service to his country was massive. His friendship was of the same calibre."
Donald Skinner, 80, who was in the Merchant Navy in the 1950s, said: "One of the great things about Jock is that he kept pushing for the Arctic Stars for all these years. One of the highlights last year was seeing Jock getting his medal on television from the Prime Minister. He was just one of these men who you are pleased to have known."
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