Funeral of a hero of war and peace. Major Philip Malins MBE MC (apologies that the “thumbnail” picture is not that of Major Malins because I am only learning the technology)

I had the honour on Tuesday 24th April 2012 of leading the Funeral Service In Birmingham of this remarkable hero of the war in south-east Asia who then went on to work tirelessly for a reconciliation with Japan based on the truth. Japan apologised for harm done and the Emperor has, remarkably, honoured Major Malins with a high distinction which has only ever been bestowed on one other non-Japanese person: The Order of the Rising Sun with Gold and Silver Rays. The Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Keiichi Hayashi travelled from London to honour “his friend” by a warm speech in tribute to him which was very well received by Major Malins’ family and all the many people present including guards of honour from the Royal British Legion, the Burma Star Association and many, both Japanese and British, who have worked together to develop a robust friendship between our two nations and to express it in a special garden at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas.