112 Year Old man,WOW

RAF fly past for Clapham-born Henry Allingham's 112th birthday Friday, 06 June 2008

Europe's oldest man, Henry Allingham, has reached another milestone in his remarkable life as he celebrated his 112th birthday on 6th June with an RAF flypast. Mr Allingham witnessed the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire before the RAF's parachute display team drops in.Dignitaries at a VIP lunch included Air Vice Marshal Peter Dye and Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns (Second Sea Lord and commander-in-chief Naval Home Command).

Eight of Mr Allingham's grandchildren and great grandchildren and their partners have flown from their homes in the United States for the occasion.Later, 40 pupils from Cranwell Primary School presented him with a birthday cake on what is the 90th anniversary year of the RAF.His birthday marks another landmark for a man who is the last founder member of the RAF and whose life has spanned three centuries and six monarchs. Before setting off to Lincolnshire from St Dunstan's care home for blind ex-service personnel in Ovingdean, near Brighton, East Sussex, he spoke about reaching such a grand age. Mr Allingham said: "I feel on the crest of a wave. What man wouldn't with all the good souls I have looking after me here. "I'm a lucky guy. I am looking forward to a wonderful day and to seeing the family. I just hope I don't let the side down. People ask me how I've done it, and I just say that I look forward to another tomorrow." His close friend and chaperone Dennis Goodwin, also founder of the First World War Veterans' Association, feted Mr Allingham's strength and character. Mr Goodwin said: "He is simply an incredible man. Each year we think that maybe this will be his last but he just seems to carry on regardless. "He is an example to us all. He keeps up with all the events and functions that he is invited to. "Last year we counted that he had clocked up 47 events which is quite something for a man his age. He knows what's going on around him and enjoys the company of people." Mr Allingham is just one of three known UK survivors from the First World War. The other two are ex-Royal Navy stoker Bill Stone, 107, who was born in Devon but now lives in Oxfordshire, and 109-year-old Harry Patch, who lives in Wells, Somerset, the last surviving Tommy to have served on the Western Front. Before he left St Dunstan's, Mr Allingham posed for pictures holding a collection of birthday cards and stole a number of kisses from staff wishing him a happy birthday. Patrick McBride, senior staff nurse at St Dunstan's, said: "He is amazing. He has got such a lovely personality and was singing away happily. "He loves it here and is so grateful for the care he receives. With his age, he does suffer from pain but he seems to take it all in his stride and gets on with life. "He calls me boy, everyone to Henry is either boy or girl. He is a pleasure to look after. Whereas a lot of people when they get elderly get quite low in mood, Henry is the opposite." The Government announced two years ago that the death of the last known First World War veteran would be marked by a national memorial service at Westminster Abbey. The decision was warmly welcomed by veterans and by MPs who have campaigned for a service to mark the final passing of the generation which fought in the 1914-18 conflict. It was said the service would reflect the events of November 11, 1920, when the unknown warrior was laid to rest and the Cenotaph unveiled in Whitehall. Mr Allingham, who has five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, joined the Royal Naval Air Service in September 1915 before transferring to the RAF in April 1918. As well as being the last founder member of the RAF, he is also the sole survivor of the Battle of Jutland. On what lessons he learnt from the First World War, Mr Allingham has said: "Hear all, see all and say nowt." He has been awarded a string of accolades including the British War Medal, Victory Medal and the Legion d'honneur, France's highest military honour. In April 2006 he was given the freedom of Eastbourne, the East Sussex seaside town where he retired in the 60s. He lived a relatively independent life alone in the resort but with his eyesight fast deteriorating, he moved to St Dunstan's where he can receive round-the-clock care.

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