LONDON (AP) – One of Britain’s last surviving veterans of World War I has celebrated his 113th birthday.
Henry Allingham, who is also Britain’s oldest man, marked the occasion Saturday with a cake and a party.
His cake was delivered by the Royal Marines, and a Royal Navy helicopter flew overhead.
Allingham was surrounded by his family and said he “never expected this honor.”
Allingham joined the Royal Naval Air Service – precursor to the Royal Air Force – in 1915. A year later he took part in the Battle of Jutland, which was the war’s largest naval battle.
In March, he was made an Officer of France’s Legion of Honor. Allingham and 110-year-old Harry Patch are the only two surviving World War I veterans in Britain.
AP-ES-06-06-09 1305EDT
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