A war hero and former Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment volunteer was treated to a surprise party to honour his 100th birthday.
Salford born Tom Jones, along with his granddaughters Carmel Jones, Rebecca Liivet and Sarah Thornley, were joined by the 103rd (Lancashire Artillery Volunteers) Regiment Royal Artillery and fellow tenants at ForHousing’s Bourke Gardens extra care scheme for an afternoon of live music and celebrations.
The Lancashire Artillery Band, one of just 19 Reserve Army Bands in the UK and Gibraltar, were on hand to add to the party spirit – even playing the regimental march of Tom’s old regiment.
After the performance, the band’s bagpiper led Tom outside in a procession so he and his family could meet more of the Lancashire Artillery Volunteers. He had his photo taken alongside a L118 Light Gun with his medals proudly on show.
Tom, who fought in the Burma War and World War II, is one of just a handful of war veterans with a Burma Star in the UK, and also has two stripes, a Royal artillery badge and a VET badge to his name.
The Ceremonial Mayor of the City, Councillor John Mullen was there to pass on his well wishes, saying: “It is an absolute honour to celebrate with Tom after all he has done for his country.
“It’s incredible to think that this brave Salford lad, who gave so much to Britain’s war effort and endured so many hardships, was just 23 years old when the war ended and has now celebrated his 100th birthday. We will never forget the bravery of men like Tom and we are all very proud of him.”
Major D M Braddock RA, Second-in-Command of the 103rd (Lancashire Artillery Volunteers) Regiment Royal Artillery, said: “As a Veteran of the Burma War and World War II, it is right and fitting that we spoil him for a couple of hours.”
Deputy Lieutenant Mrs. Mary-Liz Walker was also there to represent the Greater Manchester Lord Lieutenancy office and show their respect for Tom.
Born in Salford, Bombardier Tom Jones has lived at Bourke Gardens in Walkden, which offers round the clock care and support, for the past five years.
Although still only 17 when war broke out, Tom joined as a volunteer with the 2\8 Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment before he was called up with the 33rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (Royal Artillery) in September 1939. Stationed with the garrisons at the Princess Dock gun site, Tom defended the Liverpool Docks during the Blitz until 1942.
From there, he was sent to Burma for four years, living on rations of just biscuits, canned meat and a cereal bar – and where he was almost shot while receiving vital radio messages.
In October 1945, Tom received the news he could return home. Just a month later he married his childhood sweetheart Eileen, a local girl with whom he shared his birthday. The only time they spent apart was when he went to war at seventeen; they were married for almost 67 years before Eileen sadly passed away in 2012.
He and Eileen had two children, and Tom now has six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
When asked about reaching his milestone birthday, Tom replied: “I don’t feel any different, and the lady from across the way said I don’t look 100! If somebody could just get me a new pair of legs that would be great!”
His daughter, also called Eileen, added: “I am incredibly proud of my Dad and love him very much.”
Hannah Ford, the Extra Care Scheme Manager at ForHousing’s Bourke Gardens, describes Tom as a popular tenant, saying: “Tom was one of the first to move into Bourke Gardens, and he is very happy here. He always has a great story to tell and frequently amazes fellow tenants and staff with his knowledge when we do quizzes!
“Our team here love working with Tom and all the tenants to help them have the best quality of life possible and support their wellbeing.
“It’s been our pleasure and honour to help him celebrate this special birthday – many happy returns, Tom.”
