The award was presented by Malta’s ambassador to Norway, Albert Muscat Inglott. The Malta Tourism Authority was represented by its Nordic manager, Patricia O’Connell.

Mr Saanum served as gunner aboard HMS Rodney during Operation Pedestal, one of the two battleships equipped with 16-inch guns escorting the convoy.

His father, Gustav Saanum, was master mariner and commander of the Norwegian vessel Hoegh Hood, which served three convoys to Malta between December 1940 and July 1941. He received the highest honours from King George VI for his gallantry.

Oddvar Saanum was located through research undertaken by Simon Cusens, a military enthusiast and member of the MTA’s organising committee for Operation Pedestal commemorative events.

Mr Cusens’ visit to Norway and the event itself were supported and organised by the MTA’s Scandinavian office. The MTA has also offered Mr Saanum a holiday in Malta, supported by Air Malta.