AIR MECHANIC HENRY ALLINGHAM

Early day motion 1942, tabled 20 July 2009 by Tim Loughton (Conservative). Signed by 44 members.

That this House expresses its deep sorrow at the death of Henry Allingham at the age of 113 the world's oldest man, distinguished First World War veteran, founding member of the Royal Air Force and one of Sussex's greatest treasures; recalls his motto `be the best you can be'; pays tribute not just to his military service but to the relentless schedule of official ceremonies and community events in his later years, particularly his work with young people teaching them about the human tragedy of the Great War; notes with regret that whilst he was awarded France's highest military award, the Legion d'Honneur, and other foreign decorations, he was never recognised with an honour by the British Government; and calls on the Government to rectify that with a posthumous honour as soon as possible.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Conservative 8, Liberal Democrat 7, DUP 4, Independent 1, UUP 1.