A FORMER Japanese prisoner of war from Eastburn has said it is time for reconciliation with the Far Eastern country despite its atrocities during the 1940s.

Douglas Firth, of Grange View, says he would not have joined the protest against the visit by Japanese Emperor Akihito this week.

As the Queen and the Emperor drove to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, scores of former prisoners of war formed a line and turned their backs as the carriage passed by.

Others jeered, booed and waved the Union flag.

Mr Firth suffered for nearly four years at the hands of his Japanese captors. He was one of the many who were forced to build the notorious railway track through the jungles of Thailand and faced regular beatings.

But he has come to terms with his torment and now accepts that British POWs and the Japanese must make their peace.

"If I had been well enough to travel down to London I would not have turned my back on the Emperor," he said. "I can understand the feelings of others but I'm glad of the last apology and I think people should accept it for the sake of reconciliation."

Mr Firth spent a lengthy spell in hospital after the war ended, which gave him time to reflect on his experiences.

He believes veterans should get compensation and widows of ex-servicemen should also benefit.

Mr Firth's painting skills, which helped his rehabilitation, are to be featured as part of BBC Look North's Guns and Roses series in the next few weeks.

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