CAMPAIGNING war veteran Arthur Titherington today joined hundreds of others in a snub to the Japanese emperor.

Thousands flocked to Horseguards Parade in London to see Emperor Akihito arrive on a state visit to Buckingham Palace.

Among them was the 76-year-old Witney veteran and fellow members of the Japanese Labour Camp Survivors' Association, who are demanding an apology and compensation for wartime sufferings.

Arthur said: "As he passes by, whether it is in a horse and carriage or in a limousine, we will turn our backs on him. That is a grave insult to the Japanese and shows our feelings." The veterans also planned to whistle Colonel Bogey - the theme tune from the war film Bridge on the River Kwai.

Mr Titherington, a former mayor of Witney, is the JLCSA chairman and is heading a claim against the Japanese government in a Tokyo High Court for compensation of about £13,000 for each survivor or their widows.

He said: "My telephone has not stopped ringing, but I've not heard a dicky bird from the Japanese Government. Perhaps they have been hoping we would go away."

The JLCSA was hoping to mobilise up to 700 members to the London demonstration. Support was also promised by the Burma Star Association, Royal British Legion and other military organisations.

Emperor Akihito was receiving the Order of the Garter - Britain's highest chivalry honour - today.

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