Henry Allingham, the world’s oldest man and the last survivor of the “Battle of Jutland” took his last breath at his care home. He was 113. Mr. Allingham had served the Royal Naval Air Service in World War I, later transferring to the Royal Air Force at the time of its creation. It was only last month when Mr. Allingham was declared as the world’s oldest man.

Dennis Goodwin, founder of the First World War Veteran’s Association paid a homage to Allingham, who was suffering from a prolonged illness. “Henry was a true gentleman. He left quite a legacy to the nation of memories of what was it like to have been in World War 1,” said Dennis. Veteran minister Kevan Jones expressed his grief as he said that he was “greatly saddened” on hearing Allingham’s death. “For one of his age, his vigor for life was extraordinary,” he quipped.

The Queen expressed her respect and gratitude for Allingham as she said, “He was one of the generation who sacrificed for us all.”

Mr. Allingham, whose life continued for three centuries and six monarchs has five grand children, twelve grand children, 12 great grand children, 14 great-great grand children and one great-great-great grandchild. His wife Dorothy, with whom Allingham was married for almost half a century, died in the year 1970. Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid a humble homage to the war veteran describing him as “a tremendous character”.

Lat but not the least, Prince Charles paid tribute to Allingham as he described him “belonging to that incredible generation that did so much for their country”.

A minute’s silence was observed at Lord’s to mark his passing before play got underway on the third day of the second Ashes test match.