Dozens of Russian schoolchildren have sent their thanks and a card of appreciation to war veteran and former HMS Ganges instructor Tom Brosnan.

Students from the Znaniye Russian School based in London got in touch with Tom after the Russian Embassy passed on a Nub News article showing the former Royal Navy chief petty officer receiving his Victory medal from the Russian Federation, at a distance, by Shotley parish council vice-chairman Barrie Powell.

Tom, who will be 93 at the end of May, received the medal for his part in the Russian Convoys aboard HMS Rodney, months after taking part in the D-Day landings.

Pupils at Znaniye have been working on an art project geared towards VE-Day for months and had planned a V Day 2020 Gala Concert at the Kensington and Chelsea Great Hall, before lockdown scuppered their plans.

The card depicts the poppy, synonomous with the Royal British Legion's Remembrance Day and the carnation, which is Rusia's equivalent symbol, the names of Russians who sacrificed their lives, and the children who have taken part in the project.

The letter from the Znaniye school was sent by email via Nub News and read:

"Dear Mr Thomas Brosnan

"We wanted to get in touch on behalf of all the students, parents and staff at our Russian School and wish you a very happy celebration on the 75th Anniversary of Victory Day.

"We are and will forever be very grateful for the sacrifices you made to give us the life, our freedom and the world we have today. Thank you for everything you have done to give our children a life of opportunity.

"Our children all wanted to express their gratitude and have been painting pictures, recording poems, writing messages and sending them through so that we could share them with you.

"Below we have attached a special card to say thank you to you from everyone at our school. We have also attached links to our youtube page which has some of the videos the children wanted to share with you, whilst we can never repay you for your sacrifices, we hope you enjoy.

"Thank you for all you have done for us and have a wonderful weekend."

It was signed off: With love from Everyone at Znaniye Russian School (based in London)

The school has also invited Tom to visit the school as a special guest to thank him in person for his service, once things have settled down nd it is safe to do so.

Link to Youtube videos from the children

Link to Facebook page with more videos and an album full of pictures.

Link to a story about how it all unfolded here at Znaniye

[L]http://www.znaniye.com/victory-day-art-75th-annivesary[L+]Link to the VE Day art gallery