Henry Allingham - What a Man!
I quote from the DT of a few days ago
"It is important for any nation to have heroes, and we must choose ours carefully. Henry Allingham is, at 109, Britain's oldest man and is thought to be the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland, which, 90 years ago this day, saw the loss of 8,648 British and German lives.
In this superficial age, we often struggle to agree on who our living icons are. And while Henry Allingham is no celebrity, he played his part in the most important naval battle of the First World War. He also saw service on the Somme and at Passchendaele. (Incidentally, Mr Allingham is probably the only man still alive to remember seeing the hirsute form of W G Grace batting at the Oval, 100 years ago.)
He has witnessed the entire 20th century with all its momentous changes, and symbolises a generation that is about to slip into history itself. If any man deserves our respect, it is he."
I am glad that his life and service are being recognised today
Last edited by A2QFI; 6th Jun 2006 at 08:33.
Reason: Typos and layout