A 'remarkable' Second World War veteran from Greater Manchester who served in the Far East tragically died on the eve of VJ Day today, it's been confirmed.

Salford-born Tom Jones, a former Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment volunteer, was 103 and living in Walkden . He passed away on Thursday afternoon - as Greater Manchester and the nation was preparing to observe the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan Day today, Friday.

Mr Jones, who fought in the Burma campaign during the war and was honoured with a Burma Star medal, was being treated for cancer. Although still only 17 when the war broke out, Mr Jones joined as a volunteer with the 2/.8 Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment before he was called up with the 33rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (Royal Artillery) in September 1939.

His st

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