Garelochhead veteran celebrates 100th birthday during party

Village resident Dennis Jones, also known as Spike, spent his birthday with his family from the United States and with all his friends at the Garelochhead Station Trust [GST] during a brunch at Centre 81 on Tuesday, June 4.

A veteran of the North Atlantic Fleet, Spike’s birthday event doubled as a way of remembering those who lost their lives during the D-Day landings 80 years ago this week.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: “We were delighted to be able to celebrate with our oldest member on his 100th birthday.

“The event at the GST brunch club also included a poignant moment of remembrance for those lost in the D Day conflict.

“This was an opportunity for the members to wear their medals and chat about their memories of military service with currently serving Royal Navy personnel.

“Captain Boyd of the base thanked Spike and all of the veterans for their military service and said that their example is what those now serving aspire to.”

The Garelochhead Station Trust is a charity which provides support, information, training, and social opportunities for veterans and their families.

Born in Bristol in June 1924. Spike joined the Navy in February 1941, when he was aged just 17, and after completing his training as a signalman was drafted to HMS Bermuda the following year.

He served on the North Atlantic and Arctic convoys, and was involved in the invasion of North Africa, known as Operation Torch, and in the relief of Spitzbergen.

He was transferred to the Fleet Air Arm in 1943 and served with the Pacific Fleet, leading to his being awarded the Pacific Star - one of nine medals he would be given to recognise his military service.

His time in the Navy continued after the end of the war, and indeed lasted until 1972, more than 30 years after he signed up.

He saw service on HMS Ocean during the Korean War, as an electrical officer on HMS Eagle during Operation Musketeer in Suez in 1955, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 1957.

By 1965 Spike had been detached to the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation with the US Navy, as part of the UK's Phantom Support Group.

He retired from active service in 1972, by which time he'd reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander - though he maintained his links with the 'senior service' by working as a quality assurance manager at Faslane, having studied for, and graduated with, a Bachelor of Arts degree after leaving the Navy.

Spike has been active in many Helensburgh and Lomond community groups over the years, including the Legion, Probus, the War Memorial Trust and the local model boat club.

He was married to his late wife, Eve, for 70 years, the couple having tied the knot on August 26, 1946, and they have one daughter, Diane, now aged 75, who lives in California.

Asked for his secret to a long and well-lived life, he says: “I just get up and get on with it!"