Henry William Allingham was born in London on 6 June 1896. At the age of 113, he is not only Europe's oldest man, but also one of the 15 oldest people in the world, and one of the 15 oldest men ever.
He is the oldest ever surviving member of any of the British Armed Forces, and the oldest surviving veteran of the First World War. He is also the last surviving member of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and the last surviving 'founding' member of the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Since 2001, he has become the face of the World War I Veterans Association and makes frequent public appearances to ensure that awareness of the death and destruction of World War I is not lost to modern generations.
Henry's life has spanned three centuries and six monarchs.
In 10 days time, another British veteran will also celebrate his birthday - his 111th.
Henry John "Harry" Patch - 'the lasy Tommy' - was born near Bath on 17 June, 1898. He is the last surviving soldier to have fought in the trenches during the First World War.
Harry is, at his current age of 110, the second-oldest living man in the UK and the sixth-oldest verified man in the world.
Congratulations to both of them!
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