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Flag adds fitting touch to farewell for wartime hero

Yenni Kwok

The World War II hero who raised the Union Jack on the Peak as the Japanese occupation ended was laid to rest yesterday with the same flag draped over his ashes.

About 80 people attended a low-key memorial service at St John's Cathedral for Arthur Frederick May, who escaped from a prisoner of war camp in Kowloon to hoist the flag as news of the Japanese surrender broke in 1945.

A wreath given by the Royal Air Force Association read: 'For you and your comrades who ensured Hong Kong lived again in August 1945.' Jack Edwards, a long-time friend and chairman of the Royal British Legion's local branch, said the flag had been used at the service according to May's wishes.

'He gave me a letter . . . saying if he passed away first, I would cover him [with it],' Mr Edwards said in his eulogy.

A neighbour of May said: 'He is truly a local hero. It is ironic, however, that if a business tycoon died in Hong Kong, there would be a lot of hoo-ha. But when a war hero like Arthur passes away, most people don't even hear about it.' Close family members, including his wife, son, daughters, a granddaughter and niece, family friends and ex-servicemen attended the service.

The highest ranking official was British Consul-General Sir Andrew Burns. No high-ranking Hong Kong officials were present.

May's son, Arthur Jnr, said he was touched by the send-off given his father. 'It was amazing that everybody turned up. Before we knew it, the cathedral was full,' he said.

May died on January 31 at the age of 92. He is survived by his widow, Louise, two sisters, son Arthur, daughters Mavis and Nola, nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

After the war, May spent most of his life in Hong Kong. His ashes will be kept at the cathedral until his widow decides where they will be taken.

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