️ VJ Day 2025: Honouring Arthur “Titch” Walker
Today we honour Arthur ‘Titch’ Walker Grandad in law to Sarah Walker from Celebrating Forces Families Team.
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VJ Day 2025: Honouring Arthur “Titch” Walker
A Legacy of Courage, Resilience, and Quiet Heroism
Born on 25 August 1919 in Wolverhampton, Arthur “Titch” Walker was the youngest of 16 children. His early life was marked by hardship, his father died when he was very young, and Arthur began working in a factory making taps, earning the nickname “Titch” because he had to stand on a box to reach the machine.
Before the war, Arthur was a promising amateur footballer, even playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers. But his life changed dramatically with the outbreak of World War II. He joined the Royal Artillery Scots Regiment as a signaller and was soon sent to Lanark to help train the Lanarkshire Yeomanry, which became the 155th (Lanarkshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, RA.
💍 Love in Wartime
While stationed in Lanark, Arthur met Ruby McIntyre, and they married on 15 March 1941. Just days later, Arthur was deployed to fight in Malaya, where he was eventually captured and became a prisoner of war.
⛏️ The Hell of Kinkaseki
Arthur was interned in the Kinkaseki Copper Mine in Taiwan, one of the most brutal POW camps under Japanese control. Starvation, beatings, and relentless forced labour defined daily life. Arthur survived nearly four years in captivity, enduring unimaginable suffering. In November 1945, he was moved to Taihoku POW camp, and after liberation, he returned home via Australia. The journey home wasn’t easy for Arthur who also caught tuberculosis leading to his left lung being removed whilst on board the ship home.
In a letter dated 25 September 1945, Arthur wrote:
“After three years of starvation, it is certainly great to get what you want without worrying when you are going to get the next.”
His words, filled with warmth and humour, asked after his family, Sophie, Den, and “little fat Pat”, whom he fondly remembered performing acrobatics on the kitchen table.
A Coin for Courage
Decades later, Arthur received a commemorative coin from the Kinkaseki Memorial Committee, a symbol of honour for his resilience. He treasured it deeply:
“I was overjoyed to be given the coin and I will always treasure it because we have never received anything from this government except a war pension.”
The coin and the monument erected at the former camp site in Chin-I-Guashi, Taiwan, stand as testaments to the endurance of men like Arthur.
🏡 Life After War
After the war, Arthur returned to Lanark and worked selling fruit and vegetables from a horse and cart. He was later offered a job bagging coal at the railway sidings but had to decline due to tuberculosis. Eventually, he moved back to Wolverhampton, where he worked as a van driver for the Cooperative Society, and later joined the British Seafruits and Enes.
Arthur passed away in May 1998, leaving behind his beloved wife Ruby, daughters Maria and Margaret, son Robert, and four grandchildren. His legacy lives on through them and through the powerful story of survival and courage he carried with him.
🕯️ Lest We Forget
Arthur’s story is one among many. Eight other West Midlands men were reported missing in Malaya, likely prisoners of war. Arthur’s survival gave voice to their silence.
On this VJ Day 2025, we honour Arthur “Titch” Walker, a man whose quiet heroism continues to inspire. His resilience, love for family, and enduring spirit remind us of the sacrifices made for peace.
Arthur signed off his wartime letter with affection and humour:
“Give my love to all our family… I’ll give you a few bedtime thrillers and we’ll celebrate in a big way.”
His words remind us that behind every soldier is a family waiting, a life interrupted, and a story that must be told. Arthur Walker’s story is one of quiet heroism, enduring love, and the unbreakable spirit of a man who never stopped believing in home.
Arthur Walker and Family