AN OLD Bolton soldier who spent years as a Japanese PoW has blasted today's State visit by their Emperor - but slammed planned protests as "an insult to our Queen". Capt William Harris, chairman of the Bolton and District Far East PoW Association, said he "detested" the fact that Japan's Emperor Akihito was set to receive Britain's highest chivalry award.

But he added that he could not support the public protests due to be made by other fellow prisoners later today in London.

Camp survivors are set to hold a highly symbolic protest when they turn their backs to the Emperor during a state outing.

In addition, the PoWs will also whistle Colonel Bogey from the film The Bridge on the River Kwai during the Emperor's carriage drive down The Mall. But speaking from his Fleet Street home in Horwich, Capt Harris, 83, said: "I would not make a protest myself personally in front of the Queen.

"Turning my back to her and the Duke of Edinburgh is an insult to our Queen.

"As much as I detest the idea that the Emperor is being given the Order of the Garter, I could not do that.

"It is more important to reconcile ourselves to what is happening rather than let our lives be ruined by hatred. Hatred only hurts those who feel it.

"We will never forgive or forget and I am very upset about today's visit."

Capt Harris served his time as a PoW after he was captured on board The Empress of Asia at Singapore. He was taken to the infamous Changhi jail, but survived the dreaded railway building to return home. His words echo those of Jim Aspinall, of Blackwood Street, Burnden, who also spent years in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp. He told the BEN when the Emperor's visit was announced weeks ago: "I'm disgusted by the decision. In the past the Emperor's underlings and ministers have apologised, but never the man himself."

A spokesman said earlier today on behalf of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko that the Emperor was bound by the Japanese constitution and unable to make any political comments, but "within his heart he has very deep feelings of sympathy". Emperor Akihito will receive the Garter today when the insignia will be laid out in the Carnarvon Room at Buckingham Palace. The Emperor will also visit Westminster Abbey when he will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier when he will be accompanied by the Prince of Wales.

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