Emma Rowley
Britain's oldest man spoke yesterday of his joy at receiving a French Legion of Honour medal in recognition of his role in the First World War.
Henry Allingham, 112, is one of only two surviving Great War veterans in the UK and is the oldest Royal Navy veteran.
Mr Allingham was at times moved to tears as he received France's highest military honour in a ceremony at the official London residence of the French ambassador.
"I'm so happy that I can be here with you today," he told the crowd of dignitaries and friends. "It means so much to me. I never thought in my wildest dreams that such a thing could happen."
Mr Allingham, who has dedicated much of his time in recent years to giving talks to schoolchildren about his experiences, also made a call for peace. "There will be no more wars, I hope. There will be one big nation," he said.
The veteran, who lives at St Dunstan's care home for blind ex-service personnel in Ovingdean, near Brighton, has held the rank of chevalier, or knight, in the Legion d'Honneur since 2003 and was promoted this afternoon to the rank of officer.
He told French ambassador Maurice Gourdault-Montagne: "You are so kind. Thank you, thank you. God bless you."
Mr Allingham, who has five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, joined the Royal Naval Air Service in September 1915 before transferring to the RAF in April 1918.
As well as being the oldest Royal Navy veteran, he is also the sole survivor of the Battle of Jutland. He has already been awarded a string of accolades, including the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Helen Emmerson, care manager at St Dunstan's, said: "St Dunstan's would like to congratulate Henry in receiving this honour.
"As well as possessing a great spirit of fun, he represents the last of a generation who gave a very great deal for us today."
Harry Patch, 110, the last surviving Tommy to have served on the Western Front, was awarded the Legion d'Honneur medal by the French Ambassador, Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, at his Somerset care home last week.
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