No wonder these retired servicemen were smiling as they proudly posed in their special ties and lapel and pocket badges.

They were members of the Oxford branch of the Burma Star Association outside the Apollo public house in St Aldate’s.

They were pictured there in 1970 before setting off to London for the annual gathering of members at the Royal Albert Hall.

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They would be meeting fellow veterans who served with them in Burma during the Second World War.

The association had been formed in 1951 to promote comradeship and the welfare of members, many of whom had suffered injury during the campaign.

Referring to the Royal Albert Hall, its chairman, Viscount Slim, once said: “The intention was that it would be a place where old comrades could meet and keep in touch.

“The other purpose was to make sure that we had money to help people who needed help. The Burma Star veterans are very proud people – they don’t tend to ask for help.”

Those in the picture include Joe Blewitt, third from the right, who was aboard HMS Hermes when she was sunk by a Japanese warship.

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He lived in Minchery Road, Littlemore, and worked on the production line at the Cowley car plant for more than 30 years.

He represented villagers as a councillor for 35 years, serving on Littlemore Parish Council, the old Bullingdon Rural District Council, South Oxfordshire District Council and Oxford City Council. He was Lord Mayor of Oxford in 1995-96.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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