ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD

THERE'S a savage tweak of arthritis in Jimmy Richardson's famous fists these days. But there was a time when his iron-knuckled exploits won him fame in a faraway land.

For as a regimental champion, war hero Jimmy demolished the 1943 champion of India within a round - his fist held high in triumph as the home-turf title holder was stretchered from the ring.

That's the proudest sporting memory of Jimmy, still looking fighting fit at 76, who not only KO'd the champ, but went into war-torn Burma to help knock-out the Japanese.

Jimmy, from Elephant Lane, Thatto Heath, was wounded and suffered a series of jungle diseases, including malaria and dysentery, but that fighting spirit never dimmed.

And, as a member of the Royal British Legion, he sports a chestful of medals, including the Burma Star (he's an active member of that association) for special parades and ceremonies.

Another of his proud possessions is an autographed photograph from Dame Vera Lynn, universally known as 'the forces' sweetheart' for her patriotic songs and bitter-sweet ballads about loved ones back home.

Jimmy, who served with the 2nd Battalion East Lancs Regiment and was unbeaten as an army boxer, still vividly remembers with sorrow mingled with pride the comrades he left behind . . . capturing that bygone moment in reciting:

"When you go home,

Tell them of us, and say

For your tomorrow

We gave our today."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.