A 97-year-old former prisoner of war in Singapore, North Walsham retired hairdresser Ivor Self died after suffering a bleed on the brain in a fall, an inquest has heard.

Eastern Daily Press: Ivor Self, former POW in Singapore who died in January at the age of 97. Picture: Tony Self.Ivor Self, former POW in Singapore who died in January at the age of 97. Picture: Tony Self. (Image: Tony Self.)

Norfolk Coroner's Court heard Mr Self, of Sydney House, died on March 8 from a subdural haematoma after a fall on February 28.

The inquest heard from his GP, Dr Dethmers, of Stalham Staithe surgery, who said on October 26, 2016, a do not resuscitate form was completed.

'He was severely anaemic and declined further investigations into his anaemia,' said Dr Dethmers.

'It was towards the end of February he started suffering with repeated falls. On February 28 he was reviewed with wounds following a fall and again on March 1.

Eastern Daily Press: Ivor Self, former POW in Singapore who died in January at the age of 97 with his wife. Picture: Tony Self.Ivor Self, former POW in Singapore who died in January at the age of 97 with his wife. Picture: Tony Self. (Image: Tony Self.)

'He was seen on March 8 when he was confused and couldn't get his words out properly. It was noted his heart rate was very low and he was referred to hospital with a suspected haematoma. The ambulance was called but he went into cardiac arrest before the ambulance arrived.'

Michelle Van Der Water, care worker with Norse at Sydney House, said Mr Self had been showing 'signs of confusion throughout the morning' of March 8 and so the GP was called.

She said: 'Transport was booked for 1.04pm and requested to attend within four hours. The ambulance were called several times and advised Mr Self was becoming increasingly agitated.

'By 7.25pm his condition changed dramatically and his breathing became laboured. A 999 call was made but during the call he stopped breathing.'

Tony Self, Mr Self's son, said his father 'never talked about' his time as a POW.

'All I knew is he was a grave digger and had to pull bodies out of the incinerator,' he said. 'That is all I know. If I ever asked him he would change the subject.

'He had a terrific memory and was a real people person. He knew stories about people most others wouldn't know.

'He was a prisoner for about three and a half years and came back on a boat called the Sobieski from where he was being held in Changi.

'As far as we can tell they came off their boats and were marched off the roads straight into prison. There was no real fighting involved - it was more incarceration.'

Area coroner Yvonne Blake recorded a narrative conclusion.