Oldest man toasts 111th birthday

[Anth]

Oldest man toasts 111th birthday

Henry Allingham will watch a flypast from on board HMS Victory

Britain's oldest man will step aboard HMS Victory to watch an RAF flypast as he toasts his 111th birthday.

Henry Allingham, one of only three known UK survivors from World War I, has made his way to Portsmouth for the celebrations.

When asked how it felt to turn 111, he said he was "pleased to be seeing another tomorrow".

And talking about the lessons he learnt from World War I, the Sussex man said: "Hear all, see all and say nowt."

He said: "We had a job to do and we didn't give much thought to what was going on about us.

"We had a job to do, and did it, and it was concentrating on that that got us through the war."

Mr Allingham, who has five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, some of whom will be at the party, is the last founder member of the RAF and the sole survivor of the Battle of Jutland.

He said being 111 was "just the same as it was as at any age".

"It's no different. I'm happy to be alive and I'm looking forward to the celebrations."

On Tuesday, Surrey County Cricket Club threw a party for Mr Allingham, a keen cricket fan, at The Oval.

At the party, he told the BBC that keeping active had given him a long life and said: "I was a keep fit man you know. I did everything - running, you name it, I've had a go. I've enjoyed every moment."

'Humour and acumen'

His close friend, Dennis Goodwin, founder of the World War Veterans' Association, said Mr Allingham was a man who "believes in doing things properly", and "straight talking".

Mr Goodwin, who will be at the celebrations, said Mr Allingham was "getting a bit slower now" but he "remained strong", and had maintained his "humour and acumen".

The flypast will be followed by a lunch with dignitaries in the ship's Great Cabin, a performance by a Royal Marines band, and an afternoon tea party at the Queen's Hotel on the seafront.

Until last year, Mr Allingham lived an independent life in Eastbourne, but when his eyesight began to deteriorate, he moved to St Dunstan's care home for blind ex-service personnel near Brighton.

His accolades include the British War Medal, Victory Medal and the Legion d'honneur, France's highest military honour.

BBC News Link

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You may know the name Henry Allingham from other articles I've posted, and he is a remarkable man. Sole living survivor of the Battle of Jutland in 1916, served in the fledgling RAF and was 41 when the TV was invented.

I hope we hear from him for years to come!

[katerina]

What an amazing man, wow!!! He has a lot in his life, I am amazed.
Yeh, we need more people like that.
Thank you.

[BrianK]

What a differance in quality of life. He is fit, mentally alert & according to the article still maintains a good sense of humor.

One of those people that makes you think about what life is really about.

[katerina]

Originally Posted by BrianK

One of those people that makes you think about what life is really about.

Yeah, that's true! Great asset in life to keep yourself going no matter what, without obstacles running in your way, makes a real difference.

[BrianK]

Originally Posted by katerina

Yeah, that's true! Great asset in life to keep yourself going no matter what, without obstacles running in your way, makes a real difference.

The obstacles in life can be what makes life interesting. Learning what you can or can't do in controlling the outcome of an obstacle in your life path is IMO even more difficult.

Recognizing an obstacle isn't always easy. They can be subtle or so mind numbing you just don't want to acknowledge it. Either way until a person gets some measure of control over it, life proceeds on a totally differant scale.

[conlor]

What a man. I hope he retires soon. He deserves a break, and the honors.

[katerina]

Originally Posted by BrianK

The obstacles in life can be what makes life interesting. Learning what you can or can't do in controlling the outcome of an obstacle in your life path is IMO even more difficult.

Recognizing an obstacle isn't always easy. They can be subtle or so mind numbing you just don't want to acknowledge it. Either way until a person gets some measure of control over it, life proceeds on a totally differant scale.

You are right in that case. I guess it's how you take obstacles in in life. Sometimes people can't face them the right way.
Of course, you can't hide, there will be always obstacles, but there is an appropriate way to handle these obstacles.
Although, your point is a very good one "learning what you can or can't do in the controllong the outcome fo an obstacle" you are right about that.