Saturday 18 July 2009

Salute To A Grand Old Man - Henry Allingham

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Henry Allingham has passed away at the age of 113. He was the world's oldest man and a veteran of World War 1.

Henry would never speak about his experiences until late into his life when he began educating young people on the horrors of war. He was married for over fifty years and leaves behind several generations of his family including one great-great-great grandchild.

Born in 1896 to an ironmonger's wife in a corner of north-east London, the veteran, whose life spanned three centuries and six monarchs, was 67 when John F Kennedy was assassinated and 73 when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.

At the time of his death, he was the last surviving founder member of the R.A.F., the last man to have witnessed the Battle of Jutland and the last surviving member of the Royal Naval Air Service.

His mother had begged him not to go to war but, after her death, he enlisted in 1915


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There will be many tributes to Henry and I cannot do him justice here. but he was held in great esteem by the British people, the French people, the armed forces, members of the government and even members of the Royal family. We shall not see his like again.

I salute you Henry. Now you can take your well earned rest reunited with your old comrades.

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13 comments:

  1. Jeannette ,I havent had the TV/Radio on ,so didnt know he had died ,What a wonderful man ,and what a lovely tribute you have made to him ,Now rest in the arms of the Lord dear Henry ....love Jan xx

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  2. He did well, RIP Henry Allingham

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  3. Very well said, as always, Jeanette. How sad that they have all now gone, however they will never be forgotten.

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  4. Lovely entry Jeannette as you said he was a wondeful man. So glad he managed to get to the Cenotaph last year for the Armistice service. Love Joan

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  5. thx for sharing...Rest in peace Henry..God bless

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  6. Rest in peace Henry. God Bless.

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  7. A very noble life. Thanks for sharing hon! (Hugs)Indigo

    P.S. I'm now here:
    http://shatteredprose.blogspot.com/

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  8. lovely tribute jeannette.love mort xx

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  9. He was indeed a Grand old Gentelman ~ RIP Henry ~ lovely entry Jeannette ~ Ally x

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  10. RIP Henry. He must have had such an interesting life. Just look at all the changes that have happened since he was born. I'm sure his family will miss him. Jeannette xx

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  11. Bless his soul, may he rest in peace. He sounds like a wonderful person.

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  12. RIP and what a lovely tribute to a fine person!

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  13. God Bless him, AOL had a nice write up about him. It is said he will be buried in Brighton.

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