The BBC reports that it was held Thursday. Henry Allingham was one of the last surviving World War I veterans (there are now three). There was a flyover by five World War I replica aircraft since Mr. Allingham was a member of the Royal Naval Air Service and afterwards, one of the first members of the RAF (Royal Air Force).
His coffin was carried by three Royal Navy and three Royal Air Force personnel. Two great grandchildren carried his medals.
He was quite a character, even in his older years. At age 93, he visited the US. An attendant went to get him with a wheel chair, and then they appeared with Henry pushing the attendant and a big smile on his face.
Church bells tolled 113 times, once for each year of his life.
Harry Patch, who died this past Saturday, will be buried this coming Thursday.
A BRIEF HENRY ALLINGHAM TIMELINE
1896-- born Clapton, east London
1916-- Witnesses the Battle f Jutland
1918-- transferred to RAF, celebrates Armistice Day in Cologne, Germany
WW II-- worked on aircraft weapons
1960-- retired at age 65
2003-- first met Queen Elizabeth II
2009-- died in sleep at age 113
The "Noblest Generation." --
No comments:
Post a Comment