War prisoner 'Steve' dies

A popular former Black Country firefighter and Royal Engineer who became a prisoner of war in Burma during the Second World War has died aged 88.

George Stevens, known as Steve, of Walsall, passed away at Aldridge Nursing Home on October 10. Former colleagues from Walsall fire station and surviving prisoners of war, who worked on the Burma Railway with him, are expected to attend his funeral.

Born in Isleworth, West London, in 1919 he was one of eight brothers and sisters. At the beginning of the Second World War he joined the Royal Engineers and was posted to Walsall, building military units around the Midlands.

During his posting he met future wife Dorothy, who lived in the Butts and worked at Westbourne Street Post Office.

His unit was sent to Singapore where he was taken prisoner and finally sent to Japan where he stayed until the country's surrender. He was then sent to New Zealand to recover before returning to Walsall.

After the war he became a fireman working at the old Darwall Street station in Walsall. He took part in the Remembrance Day parade every November.

An active member of the Far East Prisoners of War Association he kept in touch with former comrades and met up several times a year.

His niece Rosemarie Orchard said George and his wife Dorothy, who died earlier this year, were popular members of the family and are missed by everyone who knew them.

She said: "His past experiences never diluted his sense of humour or fun but served to make the most of every day.

"Despite living in Walsall for over 60 years George never lost his London accent and took pleasure in introducing Midlanders to cockney rhyming slang.

"Both George and Dorothy will be missed by a huge circle of friends throughout the country."

His funeral takes place at Streetly Crematorium on Tuesday (2pm) followed by a wake at the Fairlawns Hotel, Aldridge. Everyone is welcome.