Oleg Vladimirovich Nikitin

Oleg Vladimirovich Nikitin served on Soviet merchant vessels that received Lend-Lease supplies at Murmansk and Archangel. He made the dangerous return voyages through the Arctic, carrying Soviet exports back to Allied ports. After the war he continued in the merchant marine and during a port call to Southampton in 1960, he defected and sought asylum in Britain. He settled in Southampton and worked as a harbour pilot, using his extensive knowledge of seamanship. He became a bridge between the Soviet veteran community and British naval veterans.