Party planned for Henry Allingham
Europe's oldest man, Henry Allingham is celebrating his 113th birthday.
Mr Allingham hopes to join family members and representatives from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force for a party in his honour on board HMS President in London.
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.
A birthday cake and card signed by the First Sea Lord will be delivered to Mr Allingham by fast raiding craft of the Royal Marines.
A decanter of rum will also be presented to him by Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, the head of the Fleet Air Arm.
Mr Allingham is just one of two known UK survivors from the First World War, including 110-year-old Harry Patch, who lives in Wells, Somerset, the last surviving 'Tommy' to have served on the Western Front.
Ex-Royal Navy stoker Bill Stone, who was born in Devon, died in January this year aged 108.
All three men came together at London's Cenotaph on November 11 last year to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day.
Mr Allingham lives in St Dunstan's care home for blind ex-service personnel in Ovingdean, near Brighton, East Sussex.
In Cardiff a portrait will be unveiled of Mr Allingham by Dan Llywelyn Hall. The work, which will be on sale to raise cash for the British Legion, will be on show at the City's Oriel Washington Gallery.
Share
