Tributes have been made to a Salford WWII veteran who sadly died after dedicating his life to his family, community and country.
Salford veteran Joe Thomas who was born in Swinton and Pendlebury sadly passed away aged 99.
The Salford born WWII hero spent 94 years of his life in the city of Salford, and will be remembered by the city in a Requiem Mass.
The mass will be held at the St Mary’s Roman Catholic cemetery in Worsley on January 23 2025, where will be honored and led by the Veterans Corps of Drums to his final resting place.
Remembering her Dad, Patricia Lohan said, “If I had to describe my dad in only three words, I think it would be nearly impossible.
“He was always very fit and lively; he loved playing with his great grandchildren, never mind grandchildren, and he was very caring.”
Joe joined the Royal Navy at the age of 18 in 1943, serving as a stoker in the Royal Navy combined operations.
During his time in the Royal Navy, he played a pivotal role in several critical wartime operations, including his involvement in the Marseille landings which supported the success of the Normandy invasion.
The Royal Naval Association City of Salford Branch, formally Pendleton, stated: “His loss is deeply felt by all who loved him. We stand with his family in this difficult time and offer our heartfelt support and prayers.”
Joe also served during Operation Shingle at Anzio, contributing to the liberation of Rome, where he was awarded for his bravery.
The Salford born veterans bravery was rewarded as he received the Légion d’honneur in 2017, France’s highest honor, with the ceremony being held at the Salford Civic Centre in Swinton.
Joe was also awarded the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur by the French consul, Monsieur Rodolphe Soulard.
Monsieur Soulard said: “You are a living witness to the history you wrote on our soil, a history which shaped the identity of Britain and France.
“You are a great example for me, for young people, for our countries and for Europe.
“The Nazis tried to eliminate freedom but did not reckon with the incredible strength of women and men.”
After the war his family weren’t aware of the huge role he had played, as his daughter Patricia said: “He never talked about it when I was growing up.
“I was born in 1953 it was very close to the end of the war, it was probably too close.
“But when I had my children that’s when he talked about it, and we learned a lot of what he’d done and where he had been.”
Throughout his life Joe was an active, very reliable member of his local church, St Mark’s on Station Road.
He was also apart of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, where he spent time visiting people who were alone or in need.
Joe worked in Swinton with Councillor Agnes Hopkins, and helped with the initial set up of the Agnes Hopkins Community Center Swinton, working with the elderly.
After living in Swinton his whole life, Joe eventually moved to York to be with his daughter during the pandemic.
And following his death York City Council are also paying tribute to him by holding a civic service in York Minister on Wednesday 22 January.
The Salford WWII veteran may now be honoured and celebrated, after his lifetime of service to all.
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