Wales' oldest man shares memories on VJ Day anniversary

South Wales Argus

2 days ago

Owen Filer, 105, from Cwmbran, served as a member of the British Military Police in India during the Second World War.
He reflected on his experiences as the nation prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
Mr Filer said: "When I found out the war was over on VJ Day I didn't celebrate.
"I didn't go down the pub, there was no pub.
"I was just lucky, and we were just happy the war was over.
"We absolutely cannot forget what took place."
Called up just four months after the war began, he began his service with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers at age 20.
After contracting meningitis during training and spending a month in hospital, he was transferred to the British Military Police.
Mr Filer was assigned to the 'Vulnerable Points' corps, guarding sites at risk of enemy attack.
In January 1944, he sailed to India aboard the RM Ship Cape Town Castle.
He said: "I remember smelling the spicy air around the Strait of Gibraltar which was coming from Morocco.
"We knew then we were heading for the Far East."
Based primarily in Bombay (now Mumbai), he described the conditions as 'primitive.'
Mr Filer also recalled missions near the Burma border, supporting operations behind Japanese lines.
During his time overseas, his son was born on VE Day.
He said: "My boy was nine months old when I first met him.
"He was fast asleep when I got home, and I was desperate to pick him up.
"I had to wait until the morning, that was tough."
Mr Filer will attend a special VJ Day service at the National Memorial Arboretum, hosted by the Royal British Legion.
He regularly visits his local primary school to share his wartime experiences and emphasise the importance of remembrance.