June 1920 - July 2012
Billy Griffith who died on 30 July 2012 aged 92, was a young RAF driver who was captured by the Japanese in Java in 1942. Shortly thereafter he was forced by Japanese guards, seemingly unaware of the rules of War and their responsibilities regarding the treatment of POWs, to clear ground that had been an explosive dump, at the point of the bayonet. The inevitable explosion blinded him, blew off his hands and severely damaged his leg. His life was saved by the legendary Lt Col ‘Weary’ Dunlop who operated on him in the meagre hospital facilities grudgingly allowed by Japanese authorities. Blind and without hands he survived the rigours of Far East prison camps which killed so many and retuned home
Billy came back to a new world in 1945. Domestic circumstances were not welcoming and the life he knew before the war in the family haulage business was not to return. Blind Veterans UK (formerly known as St. Dunstan’s) trained him to deal with a life of darkness and inspired him to light up in other ways.
Within a few years and with some inspirational help he had started a small haulage business and began to make the most of life – particularly when he married Alice who became the real light in his darkness.
Billy had many friends across the world. He appeared on ‘This is your Life’, and became the Disabled Sports Personality of the Year in 1961. He was always a keen Far East Prisoner of War (FEPOW) member.
A man of great determination and courage, Billy was an example of Blesma's motto - Service and Fortitude - in every sense.