Royal Navy throws party for olest vet

LONDON, June 6 (UPI) -- Henry Allingham, Britain's oldest man -- and its oldest veteran -- was honored Saturday by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force with a 113th birthday party.

The festivities included a cake delivered by a raiding craft and a birthday card signed by the First Sea Lord, UK Express reported. The party was held on HMS President, at anchor in the Thames in London.

"It's wonderful, I never expected this honor," he said. "You are all so kind to me, I wish you all well."

Allingham is one of two surviving British veterans of World War I and the only living person to have served in the Battle of Jutland, where King George VI, the present queen's father also served as a junior naval officer.

Timothy Gray, Allingham's 53-year-old grandson, said his grandfather told him Friday night he was "looking forward to becoming a teenager again."

Allingham transferred to the RAF in 1918, becoming one of the founding members of the service.

While he has outlived his wife and both of their daughters, Allingham has more than 30 descendents, including a great-great-great-grandchild. He moved into a home for blind veterans near Brighton three years ago because of failing eyesight.