D-Day veteran’s remarkable life

Mr Gordon Jardine, who died on Friday March 5, was the dearly loved husband of Margaret. He was a resident of Reilly Park, Banbridge until recently when he was moved to the Home with additional care needs.

Gordon was brought up on a farm at Lisnaree, but during the Second World War joined the Royal Navy and saw a colourful active service.

On the HMS Repulse he received the rank of Chief Petty Officer, and was also torpedoed on HMS Duff. Showing remarkable resilience, he spent almost a year in hiding in the jungle from the Japanese, before escaping to Malaysia.

He along with 21 of the servicemen lived on water for 21 days before being picked up by a British Ship. He then returned to see his parents who had been told he was missing presumed dead, for a year. His father Albert and his mother Minnie were overwhelmed to see their son.

Gordon returned to his ship and was stationed in Malta with his wife and two daughters Linda and Janet. He was on the D-Day Landings in Normandy.

He then returned to Civvy Street after 25 years service in the Navy, becoming the caretaker of Abercorn Primary School. He worked until he was 78 years old.

Gordon always enjoyed going back to Malta, where he was stationed, for a holiday with his family.

He also enjoyed horse racing and most meetings on 
the television.

His main interest however was with his home and family especially his grandchildren. He is survived by daughters Linda and Janet (Banbridge), son-in-law Joe, nine grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, brothers Isaac and Jim, two sisters Nora and Vivien.

To these and all other relatives sincere sympathy has been extended.

The funeral took place on Sunday in Ballydown Presbyterian Church at which his minister the Rev Liam Rutherford officiated and paid a fitting tribute to Gordon’s life. The hymns ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ and ‘Here Us When We Cry To Thee For Those On peril On The Sea’. Mrs Diane Murphy presided at the organ and the Rev Williamson made the ‘Seaman’s Prayer’ in the Church.

The interment took place in the adjoining Churchyard. Family flowers and a poppy wreath from The Royal British Legion Banbridge Branch were placed on the grave and members of Banbridge Branch and the Royal Naval Association paid their final tribute by reciting Binyon’s Lines and the dropping of poppies.

Donations in lieu of flowers are being sent to William Bell and Co Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR for Bannview Care Home Residents Comforts Funds.

William Bell and Co had charge of the funeral 
arrangements.