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Henry AllinghamEnglish centenarian
Date of Birth: 06.06.1896
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Henry Allingham: The Oldest Living Man
Henry Allingham, an English centenarian, became the oldest living person on the planet at the age of 113 years and 13 days. This title was bestowed upon him immediately after the death of Tomoji Tanabe, a 113-year-old Japanese centenarian, on June 19, 2009. Tanabe's record was officially confirmed by the Guinness World Records. Allingham, a veteran of World War I and the oldest verified living man on Earth, held this title from June 19, 2009 until his own passing.
A Life of Service
Henry Allingham was not only one of the last surviving veterans of World War I but also the oldest soldier who had ever served in any branch of the British Armed Forces. He was the last living participant of the Battle of Jutland, the last member of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), and the last surviving founding member of the Royal Air Force (RAF). In 2001, he became the face of the First World War Veterans Association and made frequent public appearances to ensure that the memory of the hardships and sacrifices of the war were not forgotten by future generations.
Awarded and Honored
Due to his advanced age and his participation in World War I, Henry Allingham was the recipient of numerous awards and honors. His service and dedication were recognized with various medals and distinctions throughout his life.
The Final Years
Henry Allingham passed away on July 18, 2009, peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home near the coastal town of Brighton, overlooking the English Channel. At the time of his death, he had five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild. Allingham had witnessed events spanning the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, and Queen Elizabeth II was the fifth British monarch to have reigned during his lifetime.
