A hero of The Forgotten Army of the Second World War has died.

William Simmonds, who fought the Japanese army at Kohima, died on April 14.

A soldier in the Queen's Own Royal West Kent's, in April 1943 Simmonds fought 80,00 Japanese troops who were heading towards the border of Burma and India.

The Allies were hopelessly outnumbered at Kohima and they fought for almost three weeks in terrible conditions.

Mr Simmond's son Bob, said: "Against all odd's the Allied Army held Kohima but at a cost that can never be repayed.

"The Japanese had lost 60,000 men, the Allies had lost 5,000.

"Today very few people know what happened at Kohima - that is why they are still known as The Forgotten Army.

"Dad never spoke about Kohima. Now we know why."

William Simmonds funeral will be held at 12pm at North East Surrey Crematorium on May 2.