Big day as Bridge Too Far war hero John turns 100
AVETERAN who was part of a regiment whose heroics were turned into a famous war movie has celebrated his 100th birthday.
John Hammond, known as Jack, of Davenport, was one of the Irish Guards who bravely fought through Holland to capture bridges on the way to Germany.
The daring World War II offensive, known as Operation Market Garden, got as far as Arnhem and was later the subject of the 1977 film A Bridge Too Far.
Stockport County fan Jack was injured by enemy fire as Allied forces were overrun and eventually evacuated.
Jack said: “I was in the D-Day landings and had a few battles and finished up in Operation Market Garden, it was a bit rough.
“They knocked the tanks out that should have gone through so we had to try and bring the paratroopers out across the river.
“I don’t know if it was a shell or a mortar but it caught me by surprise and put me out of action. The film was perfect and accurate.
“I was proud of my involvement, all those involved in the action were proud of what they did. Being 100 is just another number for me, I have looked after myself and have an unbelievable family.”
During the war Jack played football for the Army and appeared against a team containing Matt Busby and Joe Mercer.
After returning home from the conflict Jack worked as a joiner and lived in Edgeley with his wife Joan, who sadly passed away 10 years ago.
He was a keen bowler in the Stockport and District league and has an annual tournament - the Jack Hammond Trophy named after him.
Even at the age of 100 Jack, who has one son, two grandchildren, three great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, still lives independently at Kennerley Road.
He cooks for himself and regularly attends Stockport Baptist Church.
To celebrate his century, for which he got a birthday card from the Queen, Jack had a meal with friends and family at Stockport Golf Club.
Son Chris, 66, a retired builders merchant owner, said: “My dad still has shrapnel inside his body, when he went on holiday he would light up machines at airports.
“He is the second oldest Irish Guardsman still alive. He is a fantastic guy and everyone loves him. He was still helping me with my business well into his 80s.”