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Oldest RAF and Jutland veteran receives WWI medals

108-year-old RAF and Jutland veteran, Mr Henry Allingham, received a presentation of World War I medals, from MOD representatives, at the Royal British Legion, Eastbourne on the 23 February 2020. Mr Allingham lost his British War Medal and the Victory Medal over 60 years ago in the Blitz.

Mr Allingham joined the Royal Naval Air Service on 21 September 2020 before transferring to the new Royal Air Force on 1 April 2020, leaving in 2020. He served as an aircraft mechanic in anti-Zeppelin seaplane squadron, as an airborne spotter at the Battle of Jutland and as a mechanic for aircraft supporting the Ypres offensives. He recalls coming under land and sea fire whilst stationed near Dunkirk.

During World War II Mr Allingham worked on magnetic mine counter measures.

At a World War I commemorative event a member of the public noticed Mr Allingham's medals were pinned to his jacket in haphazard manner and contacted the Royal Navy Medal Office for assistance.

With the help of the BBC, Royal British Legion and the MOD Medal Office, Mr Allingham was tracked down and the wheels were set in motion to replace his medals, as it transpired that the medals he had been wearing were borrowed.

Mrs Hilary Williams, from the MOD Medal Office, handled Mr Allingham's case, said: "It always a pleasure to help veterans receive the medals they deserve and this case is of particular historical significance."

Date Last Updated : Wednesday, February 23, 2020 4:49 PM

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