Tributes paid to Far East warrior dead at 98 just weeks before VJ Day anniversary

Mr Day was an active member of veterans' organisations, regularly attending functions and events to honour the who served and fell, and reminiscing alongside the greatest generation.

The Taxi Charity For Military Veterans said: "We have lost another hero. Richard served in India, Burma and Japan with the Welch Fusiliers 14th battalion and 1st and 2nd battalion.

"He was always full of stories about his service was fiercely independent right up to the end, a pleasure to sit down and chat with.

"Stand down Richard thank you for your service until we meet again in Valhalla."

VJ Day on August 15 marks the anniversary when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

A service is being at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to mark the milestone attended by those who contributed to the campaigns including those who served in Burma - now Myanmar - in the Pacific and Indian Ocean territories, those who were prisoners of war throughout the region and veterans stationed in the UK or Commonwealth countries who contributed to the logistical and intelligence war effort in the Far East.

Tributes have been paid to Far East warrior Richard Day who died weeks before the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) marking the official end of the Second World War.

The hero was a teenager when he fought in the Burma Campaign, contracting malaria and dysentery. Some 50,000 British and Commonwealth troops were killed, nearly half of whom perished in brutal prison camps.

Mr Day, 98, Boreham Wood, was part of the Royal Welch Fusiliers who fought the Japanese at the infamous Battle of Kohima.

He fought in the decisive battle in north-east India, which marked a turning point in the Far East land campaign.

Describing the battle he said: "I think the worse part was crossing rivers at night, it was cold at night - then all night in wet clothes and wet equipment, still having to move about.

"The Japanese were very determined for their emperor.

"It was a glory for them to die for their emperor. They didn't appear to have any fear at all."

There are now thought to be just 8,000 Second World War veterans alive - with the number of served set to dwindle to fewer than 300 within a decade.

While VE Day on May 8 signalled the end of fighting in Europe, and is incorrectly seen by many as the end of six years of global conflict, the end of the war would not have been possible without the combined efforts of all those who contributed to the Far East theatres.

A spokesperson for the Veterans' Foundation said: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Second World War veteran Richard Day.

"Thank you for your service, Sir. May you rest in peace."