A SECOND World War veteran marked a very special occasion with friends and family at Helensburgh Golf Club.
Dennis Jones, also known as Spike, celebrated his 100th birthday with a party alongside 80 friends on Saturday, June 8.
His family including daughter Dianne and her husband John, grandson Alex with his wife Stephanie and his two great grandchildren Emma, 10, and nine-year-old Lucas travelled all the way from Missouri in America to be with him on his birthday.
The family bash was held four days after Spike was the guest of honour at a special 'birthday brunch' held by the Garelochhead Station Trust.
Spike was joined by his family who had travelled from Missouri in America to celebrate his special birthday (Image: Newsquest)
He was delighted to receive a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla (Image: Newsquest)
The centenarian, who lives in Garelochhead, was delighted to receive a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla, delivered by Linda Moffat, the vice Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.
READ MORE: Garelochhead veteran celebrates 100th birthday during party
A bouquet of flowers from Argyll and Bute Council was hand-delivered by Lomond North councillor Maurice Corry, also a former serviceman.
Provost Maurice Corry hand delivered a bouquet of flowers to Spike. Diane Carson and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Gill Aitkenhead to Spike's left and Vice Lord Lieutenant Linda Moffat on the right (Image: Newsquest)
There was a selection of delicious food, music and Spike even managed a dance or two.
Born in Bristol in June 1924, Spike joined the Navy in February 1941 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, 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 lasted until he retired in 1972.
By then 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.
He even blew out candles to commemorate the birthday (Image: Newsquest)
Spike wanted to thank all his friends and neighbours who attended to make the day so memorable and also for the many wonderful gifts.
Spike was delighted with his card from the Royal Family (Image: Newsquest)
He said that he couldn’t manage without his friends and neighbours and is grateful for all their help.
And on behalf of the Helensburgh Advertiser, we would like to pass on our birthday wishes to Spike!
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