British war veteran honoured with top Japanese award for peace work

Philip Malins, 91, from Birmingham, is to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, for his initiatives to reconcile British and Japanese troops in the aftermath of the war.

Mr Malins, who fought the Japanese in Burma, will be bestowed the top Japanese honour at a special reception lunch at the ambassador's London residence later this month.

Confirming the award to Kyodo News, he said: "My reaction on getting the award is one of amazement. It has come as a total surprise and, of course, in receiving it, I'm conscious that many others made great efforts for reconciliation."...