A double celebration for war veteran Tommy and his family

It was a double celebration for 91-year-old Tommy and his family as the Lisburn man and his wife, Sadie, were also celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

Tommy and Sadie met at a youth social dance in Annahilt Orange Hall and married in Loughaghery Presbyterian Church on November 23, 1949.

The newly married couple honeymooned for a week in the Avoca Hotel in Newcastle.

They now have five children, as well as lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The couple have shared their views on just what has made such a long and happy marriage. “A bit of give and take,” said Sadie.

“The support of a good family,” added Tommy.

The Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Andrew Ewing, congratulated Tommy on the award of his medal, which was presented to him recently by the Russian Ambassador, and gave the couple a special gift to celebrate their anniversary.

He also took Tommy, Sadie and they rest of their family and friends on a tour of the Council offices, showing them the main Council Chamber, as well as the Mayor’s Parlour.

Speaking at the reception for Mr Jess, the Mayor, Councillor Andrew Ewing said: “I am extremely honoured to be in the presence of a true war hero who fought selflessly for his country.

“I am so delighted that this Lisburn hero has been recognised for his lifesaving contribution to the Second World War with an award from Russia which is long overdue and it is particularly fitting, just after Remembrance Day that we continue to honour brave men like Tommy Jess.”

Mr Ewing continued: “Mr Jess showed enormous personal bravery when he played his part in changing the outcome of the war, working on a ship which sailed across the Arctic Ocean to keep supplies moving to Russia, and aided the Red Army to push back the German Army.

“More than 78 convoys delivered 4 million tonnes of cargo in these vital missions and 3000 seamen perished.

“On 11th March 1945, during a particularly perilous voyage, in horrific weather conditions, his ship HMS Lapwing, was torpedoed by a German submarine which had been sent to intercept them. Tragically, the ship went down with 180 crew on board.

“Fortunately, Tommy managed to escape to a life raft with another fifteen men but it was still connected to the sinking ship.

“As the only person with a knife, Tommy was able cut the rope and save his own life and the lives of six others.

“Tragically, the other nine people on the raft did not survive.

“We are all full of admiration for this modest man who is noted for his humility and avoids the limelight and this is a very proud day for Mr Jess and his family.”

Mr Ewing also congratulated Tommy and his wife Sadie on their many years of happy marriage.