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View Full Version : The World's Oldest Man & One of the Last World War I Veterans, Henry Allingham, Dies


Stealth Hunter
07-18-09, 02:44 AM
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6535467.html

The world's oldest man Henry Allingham has died at the age of 113.

St Dunstan's care home in Ovingdean, near Brighton on England's south coast, says Allingham died early Saturday. He was one of only two surviving World War I veterans in Britain and had been the world's oldest man since June 19.

Allingham joined the Royal Naval Air Service — precursor to the Royal Air Force — in 1915, and a year later took part in the Battle of Jutland, the war's largest naval battle. During World War II he worked on measures to counter magnetic mines.

He co-wrote an autobiography, "Kitchener's Last Volunteer," — a reference to Britain's war secretary who rallied men to the cause — and was made an Officer of France's Legion of Honor.

That's too bad. I was a great admirer of his, and I always wanted to meet him. Now, he's gone.:cry: He was the last living member of the RNAS, the last living survivor of the Battle of Jutland, and the last living founding member of the RAF.

Goodbye, Henry.




http://www.portraits.co.uk/images/henry1.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Henry_Allingham_in_1916.jpg

Biggles
07-18-09, 05:37 AM
Oh dear, so it finally was his turn to move on. I've read about him a great number of times, you almost get the feeling that he just couldn't die.

When asked about the secret of long life, he apparently said:

"I don't know, but I would say be as good as you possibly can."

That is some great words from a great man.

May you rest in peace.

This article on Wikipedia suggest that another tommy from the war, Harry Patch, died today, but I can't find any real information about it, just what it says at the top. Anyone knows anything?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Patch

Respenus
07-18-09, 05:37 AM
I just intended to post this. With only two left in the UK and the few around the world, we are truly the last generation to witness the strength of his generation, one that is unlike ever to repeat and hopefully no other generation should be forced to live through the horrors that they have seen.

HunterICX
07-18-09, 05:39 AM
May he rest in peace,
he deserved it.

HunterICX

Jimbuna
07-18-09, 06:39 AM
RIP Mr Allingham

~SALUTE~

bookworm_020
07-18-09, 06:53 AM
We lost our last WW1 digger in Australia earlier in the year. RIP:cry:

Oberon
07-18-09, 06:56 AM
RIP Mr Allingham.

If I recall correctly he was about at the 100 year celebrations of the RAF last year. Great chap :up:

Raptor1
07-18-09, 01:05 PM
RIP
:salute:

U-104
07-18-09, 01:37 PM
:salute: RIP

RickC Sniper
07-18-09, 05:33 PM
Rest in peace, old soldier.

:salute:

Takeda Shingen
07-19-09, 06:40 AM
We come closer to losing our connection to this era. May he rest in peace.


Rick, didn't you serve with this guy?

Letum
07-25-09, 08:09 AM
Harry Patch joined him this morning after 111 years. With him go the last
memories of the trenches at Passchendaele and Ypres .
BBC NEWS (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8168691.stm)

Jimbuna
07-25-09, 08:32 AM
I'm sure they'll be looking down on us whilst sharing tales and experiences together.

RIP Gents

~SALUTE~