John Dennett
Mon 23rd March 2026 | Ashville | By
Ashville Founder and Club President John Dennett has passed away at the age of 101.
John was brought up in Corsham in Wiltshire, where he was an apprentice bricklayer. However aged 17 in 1941, he signed up to serve in the Second World War against his mother's wishes and was accepted without anyone seeing his birth certificate.
He was listed on HMS LST 322, a naval vessel created during the War to support various amphibious operations. His first deployment was part of a convoy destined for Gibraltar in support of the landings in North Africa, and this was followed by the Sicily landings which were codenamed Operation Husky. This was the first major Allied landing on European soil during the War.
Landings then took place at Salerno, codenamed Operation Avalanche, which were made under heavy fire from shore-based guns and air attacks. After this, his ship was part of Operation Shingle near the holiday towns of Anzio & Nettuno, where over the next five months 530,000 tons of supplies were delivered.
John's ship was then sent to Birkenhead, where it could be prepared for the Second Front invasion of France. And whilst on extended shore leave, he met his future wife Joyce and is how John came to remain in the Wirral area after the War.
When the ship was ready, John and his crewmates set off to Portsmouth. And on 6 June 1944, John arrived at Sword Beach as part of D-Day Landings, the largest amphibious invasion in military history.
The LST 322 went on to make a further 15 crossings, picking up troops, tanks and vehicles at Portsmouth, Southampton and Tilbury. This went on into August.
John was then transferred to the aircraft carrier, HMS Patroller, which was used for the duration of the War on convoy protection duties. In August 1945, he was transferred to a minesweeper, tasked to take part in the efforts to clear the Irish Sea and Western Approaches. And in May 1946 he took his release.
After the War, John devoted much of his free time to support veteran causes fundraising for the annual Poppy Appeal and was a founder member of the Royal British Legion City of Liverpool Branch. He also worked for the Italy Star Association for decades and became its President in 2019.
In 1949, John and Joyce formed Ashville Football Club, naming it after the street where they lived in Ashville Road. The club worked its way up from the Wallasey Youth League to the West Cheshire League where they become one of the strongest teams on the Wirral. They spent 67 years in the West Cheshire, in the top division for all but five of those. They also won the prestigious Cheshire Amateur Cup four times. In 2022 they stepped up to the NWCFL.
John was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2023 New Years' Honours list, the first under King Charles. This was for voluntary services to Veterans. And in June 2024, John was among 30 veterans who made the poignant journey back to the beaches of Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations.
Ahead of his 100th birthday, John shared his philosophy on life: "Live every minute because life is precious, and so is freedom. We got freedom, so enjoy it while you can, and treasure it."
Ashville FC released a statement saying "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our Club President, John Dennet, passed away today (Sunday 22nd March) at 1:15pm.
"John was a true legend of our club and a proud World War II veteran. His lifelong commitment, dedication, and passion for the club were second to none. From youth football right through to the senior team, John played an enormous role in shaping the club into what it is today.
"On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for everything he gave over so many years. His presence, wisdom, and unwavering support will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with John’s family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, John. Your legacy will live on in our club forever.
The club will be holding a minutes applause at their next home game this coming Saturday 28th March at 3pm to remember John.
John Dennett
Mon 23rd March 2026 | Ashville
By
Ashville Founder and Club President John Dennett has passed away at the age of 101.
John was brought up in Corsham in Wiltshire, where he was an apprentice bricklayer. However aged 17 in 1941, he signed up to serve in the Second World War against his mother's wishes and was accepted without anyone seeing his birth certificate.
He was listed on HMS LST 322, a naval vessel created during the War to support various amphibious operations. His first deployment was part of a convoy destined for Gibraltar in support of the landings in North Africa, and this was followed by the Sicily landings which were codenamed Operation Husky. This was the first major Allied landing on European soil during the War.
Landings then took place at Salerno, codenamed Operation Avalanche, which were made under heavy fire from shore-based guns and air attacks. After this, his ship was part of Operation Shingle near the holiday towns of Anzio & Nettuno, where over the next five months 530,000 tons of supplies were delivered.
John's ship was then sent to Birkenhead, where it could be prepared for the Second Front invasion of France. And whilst on extended shore leave, he met his future wife Joyce and is how John came to remain in the Wirral area after the War.
When the ship was ready, John and his crewmates set off to Portsmouth. And on 6 June 1944, John arrived at Sword Beach as part of D-Day Landings, the largest amphibious invasion in military history.
The LST 322 went on to make a further 15 crossings, picking up troops, tanks and vehicles at Portsmouth, Southampton and Tilbury. This went on into August.
John was then transferred to the aircraft carrier, HMS Patroller, which was used for the duration of the War on convoy protection duties. In August 1945, he was transferred to a minesweeper, tasked to take part in the efforts to clear the Irish Sea and Western Approaches. And in May 1946 he took his release.
After the War, John devoted much of his free time to support veteran causes fundraising for the annual Poppy Appeal and was a founder member of the Royal British Legion City of Liverpool Branch. He also worked for the Italy Star Association for decades and became its President in 2019.
In 1949, John and Joyce formed Ashville Football Club, naming it after the street where they lived in Ashville Road. The club worked its way up from the Wallasey Youth League to the West Cheshire League where they become one of the strongest teams on the Wirral. They spent 67 years in the West Cheshire, in the top division for all but five of those. They also won the prestigious Cheshire Amateur Cup four times. In 2022 they stepped up to the NWCFL.
John was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2023 New Years' Honours list, the first under King Charles. This was for voluntary services to Veterans. And in June 2024, John was among 30 veterans who made the poignant journey back to the beaches of Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations.
Ahead of his 100th birthday, John shared his philosophy on life: "Live every minute because life is precious, and so is freedom. We got freedom, so enjoy it while you can, and treasure it."
Ashville FC released a statement saying "It is with great sadness that we share the news that our Club President, John Dennet, passed away today (Sunday 22nd March) at 1:15pm.
"John was a true legend of our club and a proud World War II veteran. His lifelong commitment, dedication, and passion for the club were second to none. From youth football right through to the senior team, John played an enormous role in shaping the club into what it is today.
"On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for everything he gave over so many years. His presence, wisdom, and unwavering support will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with John’s family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, John. Your legacy will live on in our club forever.
The club will be holding a minutes applause at their next home game this coming Saturday 28th March at 3pm to remember John.
