Memorial campaigner Norman dies, aged 88
A Second World War veteran who led the 14-year fight to ensure the Forgotten Army of the Burma campaign would be remembered forever in Wolverhampton has died aged 88.
A Second World War veteran who led the 14-year fight to ensure the Forgotten Army of the Burma campaign would be remembered forever in Wolverhampton has died aged 88.
Norman Chater served as a nurse with the RAF, rescuing casualties from battlefields during the bloody conflict in the Far East that continued until the Japanese surrender in August 1945.
Many of the thousands involved felt their sacrifice was eclipsed by the celebrations that welcomed the earlier Allied victory in Europe.
Mr Chater later continued the struggle for proper recognition of the bravery shown by his comrades and finally secured victory in the fight for a fitting memorial when a granite plaque was unveiled near the Lich Gates of St Peter's Church in St Peter's Square, Wolverhampton, in August last year.
The move followed a successful fundraising campaign he spearheaded to find the £2,500 needed to buy the commemorative stone.
It was supported by the Express & Star and among those who contributed were Wolves president Sir Jack Hayward and the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton.
Mr Chater was chairman of the Wolverhampton branch of the Burma Star Association formed for the surviving members.
Sadly he was not well enough to attend the official ceremony when the memorial was revealed but was fit enough to pay his own emotional tribute later.
He stood proudly to attention wearing his Burma Star medals and beret and declared: "This is one the proudest moments of my life."
His widow Rose, aged 85, said at their home in Wednesfield: "After his family, the Burma Star Association was one of the most important things in his life. It was his dream to get the memorial erected in Wolverhampton. When he finally saw it he said: 'They have done me proud.'"
Both she and her late husband were born in Wolverhampton. They were married for 62 years and have a son and two grandchildren.
Mr Chater worked as a supervisor at Goodyear prior to his retirement. His funeral was taking place at 2.30pm this afternoon at the West Chapel of Bushbury Crematorium.
