A FORMER Second World War Royal Naval Veteran has been presented with life membership of the Royal Naval Association (RNA).

Bill McGill, 97, who was a telegraphist, served in the Royal Navy in the Far East and Pacific during WW2 and was one of the first ashore after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

He vividly recalls the terrible conditions he witnessed on arriving in Japan and describes the Cities as ‘just melted piles of rubble’.

Bill's wife Shirley said: “He thought he had got it [the life membership]. He was over the moon.

"He joined the merchant navy when he was 15-years-old."

The couple live at Tan y Fron Extra Care apartments in Llandudno. They previously lived in Rhyl.

North Wales Pioneer:

North Wales Pioneer: Bill with his medals, Naval badges and his awardBill with his medals, Naval badges and his award

As part of his work with the sixth minesweeping flotilla in the pacific fleet, Bill, who is a painter and model maker, visited both Hiroshima and Nagasaki just six months after the atomic bombs were dropped. He was just 21 when he saw the ruined city.

Bill's war took him from Hong Kong to Borneo until his demob at the age of 23 in 1947.

He said in an old news article with the Visitor on August 10 1995: "When I came home, it was all forgotten. People had forgotten about the minesweepers role in the war completely."

Their work was recognised when the government issued Bill with his naval general service medal complete with a special bar commemorating the work of the men on the minesweepers.

Due to Covid restrictions, the presentation on behalf of Llandudno RNA was made at Bill's home by former mayor Angie O'Grady.

Alun Evans, chairman of RNA Llandudno, said: “It was an honour and privilege to be able to make this award from the RNA and on behalf of the local branch.”