Henry Allingham, the world war 1 veteran, died today at the age of 113 and already the tributes are pouring in:
Dennis Goodwin, founder of the First World War Veterans' Association, led the tributes to Mr Allingham, the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland and his old friend.
"Henry was truly a gentleman - his strength of character, his purpose. He left quite a legacy to the nation of memories of what it was like to have been in WWI," he said.
Veterans minister Kevan Jones said he was "greatly saddened" to hear of Mr Allingham's death.
"For one of his age, his vigour for life was extraordinary," he said.
"I was humbled to meet somebody who had led such an amazing life and we owe such a huge debt of gratitude to him and his generation."
Graham Mottram at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton said Mr Allingham was the "highest example" of a military man, who will be remembered for his "total even-handedness" in treating his colleagues in the forces, irrespective of age and rank.
Robert Leader, chief executive of St Dunstan's care home in Ovingdean, near Brighton, said: "He was very active right up to his final days, having recently celebrated his 113th birthday on HMS President, surrounded by family.
"As well as possessing a great spirit of fun, he represented the last of a generation who gave a very great deal for us.
"Henry made many friends among the residents and staff at St Dunstan's. He was a great character and will be missed."
Henry once attributed his longevity to Cigarettes, whisky and wild, wild women and I’m sure most of us cannot match up to all three of his pronouncements.
Henry was a true hero in every sense of the word.
We at Freedom To Choose believe our freedoms are being stolen from us by governments today, freedoms you and your contemporaries fought for. We salute the late Henry Allingham.
