A WAR hero who was blinded and lost both hands during the Second World War, has died aged 92.

Bill Griffiths, who fought with the RAF in Java in 1942, passed away at home in Blackpool with his wife by his side.

At the age of 21, as a prisoner of war, Bill was ordered by the Japanese to uncover a booby-trapped ammunition dump, which left him with his horrific injuries.

After the war, the veteran, who was born in Blackburn, became a leading light for the St Dunstan’s charity, which helps blind ex-servicemen and women.

He also wrote books, was named disabled sportsman of the year in 1969 and was also awarded the MBE in 1977. In 1995 he was honored by Blackburn when he was given the civic medal in recognition of his inspiration and example to others.

William Griffiths Court, in Mill Hill, which cares for ex-service people and their families, was also named after him.

Bill’s son Bob, who lives in Barnoldswick, said his father had done so much to make the family proud.

He said: “He was very brave, he did some amazing things for his country.

“He used to tour the country, with my mother Alice driving him, speaking for St Dunstan’s and raising money for them.

“The whole family are so proud of him. He was very family-orientated and will be sadly missed.”

In 1972 he was guest of honour on This is Your Life, presented by Eamonn Andrews.

Coun Maureen Bateson, who presented Bill with the civic medal, said it had been an honour to know such a ‘wonderful gentleman’. She said: “Bill was a really kind and gentle man.

“He was very brave for what he went through. How he survived the war in a prisoner of war camp is just incredible.

“He told such wonderful stories and he was so proud of being honoured by the council.

“Bill was an example of what you can do with courage and how through adversity, you can still do something positive with your life.

“He and his wife are an inspiration to everybody.”

Bill leaves his wife, son and two grandchildren.