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Per Ardua Ad Astra
First World War veteran, Henry Allingham, has reached another milestone in his remarkable life by becoming the oldest ever British man.
Mr Allingham has turned 112 years and 296 days, surpassing Welshman John Evans who died in 1990 aged 112 years and 295 days.
It marks another record for Mr Allingham, who is one of only two surviving First World War veterans in the UK and is the oldest Royal Navy veteran.
He was spending the day quietly with a few visitors at St Dunstan's care home for blind ex-service personnel in Ovingdean, East Sussex.
Mr Allingham, who has dedicated much of his time in recent years to giving talks to schoolchildren about his experiences, will reach 113 years on June 6.
Dennis Goodwin, his close friend and founder of the First World War Veterans' Association, said: "He has achieved another milestone in his long life and is raising the bar of longevity.
"To be honest the last two years have been littered with milestones but this one is nice for him.
"The next one will come when he becomes a 'teenager' again when he reaches 113 in June."
Mr Allingham is to be made an honorary member of the Royal Naval Association during a low-key presentation at St Dunstan's.
Earlier this month he received an upgraded Legion d'Honneur in London, six years after receiving his first one.
He has held the rank of chevalier, or knight, in the Legion d'Honneur since 2003 but was promoted to the rank of officer by French ambassador Maurice Gourdault-Montagne.
The Clapton-born man, who has lived through the birth of his first great-great-great-grandchild, joined the Royal Navy Air Service in September 1915 before transferring to the RAF in April 1918.
As well as being the last founder member of the RAF, he is also the sole survivor of the Battle of Jutland.
Congratulations Mr Allingham
Tomorrow 1st April, is the 91st Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, formed in 1918 from the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service
Mr Allingham has turned 112 years and 296 days, surpassing Welshman John Evans who died in 1990 aged 112 years and 295 days.
It marks another record for Mr Allingham, who is one of only two surviving First World War veterans in the UK and is the oldest Royal Navy veteran.
He was spending the day quietly with a few visitors at St Dunstan's care home for blind ex-service personnel in Ovingdean, East Sussex.
Mr Allingham, who has dedicated much of his time in recent years to giving talks to schoolchildren about his experiences, will reach 113 years on June 6.
Dennis Goodwin, his close friend and founder of the First World War Veterans' Association, said: "He has achieved another milestone in his long life and is raising the bar of longevity.
"To be honest the last two years have been littered with milestones but this one is nice for him.
"The next one will come when he becomes a 'teenager' again when he reaches 113 in June."
Mr Allingham is to be made an honorary member of the Royal Naval Association during a low-key presentation at St Dunstan's.
Earlier this month he received an upgraded Legion d'Honneur in London, six years after receiving his first one.
He has held the rank of chevalier, or knight, in the Legion d'Honneur since 2003 but was promoted to the rank of officer by French ambassador Maurice Gourdault-Montagne.
The Clapton-born man, who has lived through the birth of his first great-great-great-grandchild, joined the Royal Navy Air Service in September 1915 before transferring to the RAF in April 1918.
As well as being the last founder member of the RAF, he is also the sole survivor of the Battle of Jutland.
Congratulations Mr Allingham
Tomorrow 1st April, is the 91st Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, formed in 1918 from the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service
