EX-PRISONER of war Arthur Titherington has struck another blow in the battle to get compensation from the Japanese.

Arthur, 76, who spent his childhood in Darwen, was one of thousands who suffered starvation, sickness and violence in the Second World War.

His image has been seen around the world after he broke down twice giving evidence before a Tokyo court.

It was the final stage of efforts by a 9,000 strong international group of prison camp survivors to secure an apology from the country and compensation of about £14,000 each.

Mr Titherington, who now lives in Oxford but still has family in Darwen, spent three years in labour camps in Taiwan and saw many of his comrades die from beatings, starvation and disease.

He has since written a book of his experiences called One Day at a Time.

Speaking from Japan, the pensioner said: "I gave evidence for 45 minutes and it all got rather emotional. I think it went all right and there is nothing more we can do.

"I had a fair crack of the whip and told the court the present government is as bad as the one in 1942 to 1945. It is just sitting back and waiting for us to die

"The court will make a decision in two months time."

Harry Titherington, Arthur's 81-year-old uncle, lives in Vicarage Drive, Darwen, with his wife Winifred. They have both been following the case.

Harry said: "Arthur left Darwen as a young teenager but often comes to visit his home town and my wife and I go and see him in Oxford.

"He has really suffered over the years as a result of what happened to him in Japan and used to wake up in the middle of the night screaming.

"Going through with the court case is a good thing and might help him get what happened out of his mind. Too many years have been allowed to go by without people like Arthur getting what they deserve."

Last month Japan's Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto made an apology during Tony Blair's visit to Japan but no mention of compensation was made.

Mr Titherington added: "Mr Blair was totally conned while he was out there. We reject totally the apology. Without compensation it is nothing."

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