North Down’s last Burma veteran brings history to life

NORTH Down’s last surviving Burma veteran, James Lennon, brought history to life at last week’s Bangor’s Aspects Festival.

The 90 year old Bangor man was the guest of honour last Sunday (26th) night, with distinguished BBC correspondent Fergal Keane.

The award winning journalist was delighted to be joined by the veteran as he spoke on his latest book The Road of Bones: The Siege of Kohima 1944.

James Lennon is one of the five known surviving members of the 8th Belfast Heavy Anti Aircraft regiment which covered itself in glory in the Far East campaign, from 1942 to 1945.

The regiment took part in the Arakan campaigns in Burma, and fought so effectively against the Japanese they became known as the ‘Twelve Mile Snipers’.

A variety of Mr Lennon’s memorabilia on display included Japanese prayer tablets, leopardskins, and his eight medals including Dunkirk  (1939), the Somme (1940), Belgium (1940), and a Line of Duty medal following his injury sustained during The Blitz.

Speaking to the Spectator, Mr Lennon was delighted to give Fergal Keane’s book his seal of approval. He first came across the book during a visit to Bangor library, unaware that he would soon be starring alongside the author.