These, along with a sketch pad that he drew pictures of the places and things he worked on, we were able to piece together his story. It was harrowing to hear him describe some of the events, and at times I could from the tone in his voice tell he was upset. I did ask "why did you not talk to me?" all he said was, "you don't want to see your father cry" and I suppose he was right.

Then much later between mother and myself, both of us  obtained one of the first computers, an Amstrad, and placed it all onto disc and paper.

As I read what was written I had lots of questions I wanted answers to, but the only problem is that I had married and had a wife two children and a mortgage to support.  So I waited, but in-between father started to attend reunions down London. He asked me if I would like to go to one, I did. There I met some of his wartime mates, Mukdenites as they called themselves and I listened.

From that moment the questions and answers came thick and fast. I was to go to many more of them later,  in Manchester at the Manchester United Football Club.

Then father became involved with a book that was being written “Unit 731” by David Wallace and Peter Williams. It hit the headlines.  It claimed that some of them had been used for Biological Warfare experiments. The Times of London printed an article about it, father was on the Radio and TV.

 I researched it as much as I could, asking for files that were being held under the Official Secrets Act be released. I had a little success in this. Even writing to Members of the House of Commons, in this I was extremely lucky as I was in contact with Jack Ashley MP for Stoke on Trent, now Lord Ashley, and a fervent champion of the disabled. Both he and another member Sir Bernard Brain MP later Lord Brain (RIP) took up my cause. I managed to have released some 500 documents, the most significant one claiming that the British Government at the time had evidence of the atrocities. But as the situation at the end of the war was less than perfect, no action was taken.

But this episode lead him to be put in touch with some of his American buddies, after that, his first American reunion and more stories.

Eventually I was able to save up the cash to publish his story myself, father saw the last draft copy and said “that’s ok now its yours and your mothers, I don’t want anything to do with it” and with that it was done.

Unfortunately father did not see the finished book, he passed away. But I hope that I have as we say "Done him proud". And preserved all his memories and feelings.

Maurice A Christie