Old Salopian JP Cross celebrates his 100th birthday.

Lt. Col. John (JP) Cross (Rt 1939-43) is an Old Salopian with a remarkable life story.

John joined the army when he left school. He fought in Burma with the Gurkhas and spent the next 38 years with the regiment becoming an expert in jungle warfare. During that time his death was announced on 3 occasions and he learned to speak 9 Asian languages. John retired in 1982 and settled in Nepal. It took him 36 years, but he was eventually granted permission to stay by the King and lives there to this day. He worked at the University of Kathmandu, still walks 7 miles a day and is working on his 28th book! He also still helps young Nepalis preparing for recruitment into the British Army.

John celebrated his birthday with his adoptive Nepali family who look after him at his home in Pokhara.