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June 06, 2008
Happy Birthday, Henry
My goodness, what a life he's had
Britain's oldest man, thought to be one of three surviving UK World War I veterans, is celebrating reaching his 112th birthday.Henry Allingham, who was born in London on 6 June 1896, is also the last surviving original member of the Royal Air Force - formed 90 years ago.
...Mr Allingham is the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and also fought at the Somme and Ypres where he was bombed and shelled.
He joined the Royal Air Force when it was formed from the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and the Army's Flying Corps in 1918.
His many medals and honours include the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and the Legion D'Honneur - the highest military accolade awarded by France.
He has joked that the secret to his longevity is "cigarettes, whisky and wild women".
I like his style.
God bless and many more. I'll raise a whiskey or two in your honor tonight!
Posted by Mr. Bingley at June 6, 2008 07:25 AM