A D-DAY veteran from Wirral celebrated his 100th birthday with a special party at an iconic landmark.

John Dennett, from Wallasey, became a centenarian last Tuesday and marked the milestone with a private party at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton on Wednesday (July 24). It featured wartime music, food and entertainment.

In attendance on the night were representatives from the Royal Navy and Wirral's Mayor, councillor Cherry Povall JP. 

Mr Dennett was also presented with an award from the 1st Sea Lord Ben Key on reaching his 100th Birthday.

John Dennett BEM was presented with an award from the 1st Sea Lord Ben Key on reaching his 100th Birthday during party at Fort Perch Rock in New BrightonJohn Dennett BEM was presented with an award from the 1st Sea Lord Ben Key on reaching his 100th Birthday during party at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton (Image: Tony Franks-Buckley) A special party had also taken place earlier in the week at Ashville Football Club, which john founded in 1946. 

 

 

Looking forward to becoming a centenarian, a reflective John told the Globe before his birthday last week: "It’s a funny feeling - all I hope is I reach 200! It's only now that I've reached 100 that I realise I'm that old. I will just have to take it easy now."

Mr Dennett, a gunner in the Royal Navy, was on a landing craft carrying tanks and lorries that landed on Sword Beach on D-Day - June 6, 1944.

It was part of 'Operation Overlord' described by the Imperial War Museum (IWM) as "the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare."

The landings marked the start of a long and costly campaign in north-west Europe, which ultimately convinced the German high command that defeat was inevitable.

He also took part in beach landings during Operation Torch in north Africa, and in Sicily, Salerno and Anzio in Italy.

He recently had the honour of speaking at Bayeux cemetery in front of 5,000 people on June 6 when he delivered the exhortation in Normandy during events recent D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations, which saw hm return to Normandy for the first time since the pandemic.

John Dennett unveiled D-Day commemoration blue plaque at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton on May 30 watched by nephew Tony Franks-Buckley and Dane Brookes, owner of The Mess cafe at Fort Perch Rock John Dennett unveiled an 80th anniversary D-Day commemoration blue plaque at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton on May 30 watched by nephew Tony Franks-Buckley and Dane Brookes, owner of The Mess cafe at Fort Perch Rock (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) Looking back on the anniversary events Mr Dennett told the Globe recently: "It was exceptional, the trip of a lifetime. Everything went according to plan, all the services went to plan.

"I also met the King and Queen again - we're on first name terms now! I really enjoyed meeting them.

"I enjoyed my time out there so much, the memories will remain with me for the rest of my life. It was very moving. I had to say a few words at Bayeux.

"I said the line that went 'For your tomorrow, we gave our today'.

"It was a chance to commemorate. There was one veteran who was 103 who was acting a lot younger. It really gave me hope."

After distinguished service in the Royal Navy, in 1949 he founded the Ashville youth football club which is still thriving today under his chairmanship and guidance.

He told the Globe: "The club has helped me get through so much in my life, it kept me going when my wife died. The people running it are doing a great job."

Since retiring he has devoted much of his free time to support veteran causes. He fundraises for the annual Poppy Appeal and was a founder member of the Royal British Legion City of Liverpool Branch.

He has worked for the Italy Star Association for decades and became its President in 2019.

As well as representing the Association, he shares his knowledge by speaking with people and writing articles for their magazine so that the younger generations can learn about his experiences when he served his country.

He still enjoys returning to Normandy and gives talks to local school children near his home. He was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2022 for voluntary service to Veterans.

Nephew Tony is a historian and author who runs history tours and talks on the Second World War.

Looking back on celebration's for his uncle John's birthday, Tony told the Globe: "It was a great night and we had people in attendance from the Royal Navy as well as the Lady Mayor.

"He would like to thank Ashville Football Club who organised a party at the Club and also Fort Perch Rock for hosting a party within the Fort. 

"Uncle John was also presented with an award from the 1st Sea Lord Ben Key on reaching his 100th Birthday.

"He was also included in the Royal Navy News. Uncle John said this is the highest honour you can get in the Navy.

"In attendance to deliver the award at Fort Perch Rock was:  Lt Cmdr Robin Hainsworth, WO Mark Barrowcliff and CPO Ian Hammond."

Tony continued: "We would like to thank the Lady Mayor and Mayoress for attending and meeting Uncle John and he looks forward to visiting the Chambers.

"Uncle John is now looking forward to his next birthday.

"He will be travelling to Arnhem in September and we head back to Normandy next June so planning is already underway."


 

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