Britain's oldest man has celebrated his 109th birthday, saying his secret for long life is "know your limitations". Henry Allingham, who lives in Eastbourne in East Sussex, is thought to be one of about only 20 surviving servicemen from World War I.
He served at Ypres and at the Somme and was awarded France's highest military honour in 2003, in addition to various medals awarded by his own country.
(snip)
Mr Allingham's wife died 35 years ago and he has also outlived his two daughters, who both died in their 80s.
(snip)
Mr Allingham grew up in Clapton, east London, and volunteered for service at the age of 18 when World War I started in 1914. He trained as a mechanic and was sent to the Western Front where he carried out vital repairs to aircraft which became essential to the war effort, such as the Sopwith Camel. He can remember his father dying when he was about 15 months old and the funeral of Queen Victoria in 1901 - when he was five.
More at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/southern_counties/4613587.stm---------
I'm posting this just because I think it's fascinating.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
