Burma veteran James Fenton has marked a remarkable milestone, celebrating his 103rd birthday with friends and well-wishers in Onchan, near his home on the Isle of Man.

Mr Fenton, one of the last surviving members of the so-called “forgotten army”, served as a bombardier in the 178 Field Regiment of the Royal Artillery during the Second World War. He was deployed to India, Burma, and Malaysia at the age of just 20, taking part in one of the most gruelling campaigns of the conflict.

Reflecting on his life and service, James said he felt “brilliant” to reach 103 and credited his longevity to a lifetime of healthy habits.

“Thinking of your health all the time and what you’re doing. Don’t indulge in things that you feel are not healthy for you, and try to get exercise — eat the right food and sleep,” he shared.

A Life Remembered Through Art and Letters

During his wartime service, Mr Fenton was not only a soldier but also an artist and correspondent. He regularly painted scenes of the jungles he fought in, took photographs, and wrote heartfelt letters to his parents back home. After the war, he rediscovered many of these letters while clearing out his parents’ home in 1980.

These pieces of history have since been compiled into a book titled ‘The Forgotten Army’, preserving his vivid recollections and creative work for future generations.

Honouring the Past

Mr Fenton, who now lives in Douglas, remains passionate about remembering those who served alongside him. In 2022, at the age of 100, he travelled to London to march at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day, standing proudly with fellow veterans to pay tribute to fallen comrades.

“Even though we had this war that we were involved in, when in my younger days I could have been enjoying life… the same things are more or less happening today. You’ve got wars raging around the place, and you never know what’s going to happen — it’s dreadful.”

He expressed hope that younger generations would reflect on the lessons of history and learn from the sacrifices of the past.

James Fenton’s 103rd birthday was celebrated with a warm gathering of friends, marking the occasion with stories, gratitude, and admiration for a man who continues to inspire all who meet him.

? Photos courtesy of Mr Fenton’s family and ITV News.