A World War Two veteran who was tasked with defending Liverpool during The Blitz has celebrated a milestone birthday.
Tom Jones, who was born in Salford, Manchester celebrated his 100th birthday on January 11, 2022.
He was only 17-years-old when war broke out in 1939. Being too young to fight abroad, he joined the army as a volunteer in the 2/8 Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers.
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At the outbreak of the war, he was transferred to the 33rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (Royal Artillery) and stationed at Princes Dock in Liverpool to defend the city and its strategically important docklands from the Luftwaffe.
Speaking about his vital role during the conflict, Tom told the ECHO : "I was on a gun site on the landing stage jetty next to Princes Dock.
"I was there about 18-months – right through The Blitz and everything.
"We were on a Bofors gun [an anti-aircraft auto-cannon used during World War Two]. One night we were firing at low flying planes coming across from the Birkenhead side, right across the river.
"We were shooting and we got an order to cease fire. We were knocking lumps off the Liver Birds! We must have been very close to them.
"We had lots of shooting to do. With it being a Bofors we were only firing at low flying aircraft."
Tom also recalls seeing allied aircraft being shot down by German fighters and plunging into the River Mersey.
Despite the desperate and dangerous task he was given, Tom remembers the camaraderie with fellow soldiers with great fondness.
He said: "The unit I joined was the 33rd light anti-aircraft regiment. It had been formed in Liverpool and most of the lads were from there.
"I can tell you this. I remember a couple of the names - Bobby Black was one lad. He wouldn't get out of bed until Vera Lynn came on the radio.
"Another lad, he was a bit of comedian - I think it was Joe Doyle. We had a good time together."
Although stationed in Liverpool, Tom recalls the trip back home to see his family and childhood sweetheart, Eileen, adding: "I used to bum a lift down the East Lancs Road back to Manchester."
After 18-months stationed in the city, Tom was deployed to Burma for the next four years, fighting against Axis forces and taking on the role of radio operator.
Tom went on to earn two stripes to become a Bombardier and also proudly holds a Burma Star badge, a Royal artillery badge and a VET badge.
Following the end of the Battle of the Pacific, Tom returned home and married his childhood sweetheart, Eileen, in November 1945. He left the army and became a long-distance truck driver, a bus driver, and an electrician on the Manchester ship canal.
Together, Tom and Eileen had two children. He now has six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
In 2012, Tom's wife Eileen died after nearly 67 years of marriage. He now lives in Bourke Gardens Extra Care Home in Manchester and is visited regularly by granddaughter Sarah who he adores.
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!"
Ending our conversation, Tom said: "My memories are fading a bit now, but please give my regards to any of the light anti-aircraft regiment that was on Princes Dock with me, any of them who are still alive."
Happy Birthday, Tom.
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