2 November 2006
Henry Allingham, surviving veteran of WW1 will help promote this year’s Poppy Appeal in Eastbourne on Monday 6 November, along with the Leader of the Council and the Mayor of Eastbourne.
Work behind the scenes to prepare volunteers for this year’s Poppy Appeal started in Eastbourne on the 19 October with poppies being assembled and collection tins being delivered to collectors. Poppies will be available at many locations across Eastbourne until 12 November.
Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Councillor Ian Lucas says, “It’s always a privilege to meet Henry and we’re extremely grateful to him for coming to formally launch this years poppy appeal.”
Former resident of Eastbourne, Henry Allingham is a World War I Veteran, last surviving member of the British Air Services and the last founder member of the Royal Air Force. He is the last known survivor of the Battle of Jutland and has already been awarded the Gold Medal of St Omer and the Legion of Honour. At the age of 110, Mr Allingham is the oldest man in Britain. Mr Allingham is also a Freeman of Eastbourne.
Mr Allingham served as a Royal Naval Air Service Mechanic, flying patrols of the North Sea as a navigator, as well as repairing aircraft and engines at the battles of the Somme and Ypres.
Poppies and wreathes are available from the brand new purpose built Royal British Legion centre in Southbourne Business Park.
