99-year-old marks anniversary of the end of a conflict that some feel we have lost sight of

99-YEAR-OLD World War Two veteran who is now a resident of a Northumberland care home has marked the upcoming 80th anniversary of VJ Day. Anthony Noakes served as a Royal Marines Commando for 12 years in places like Malaya and Singapore.

- OWEN YOUNGER

Born in 1925 in the east end of London, Mr Noakes joined the Armed Forces in 1943, and was posted to the Far East as part of his service. His son John Noakes, 68, wants to tell his dad’s story, with him being one of few VJ Day veterans left in the North East.

John said: “One thing that I want to share with people is the significance of my dad fighting in the Far East, as VJ Day came over three months later than VE Day, so his war continued on after the war in Europe had come to an end.