Location:Home » All Books » January Sale » Kitchener's Last Volunteer: The Life of Henry Allingham, Britain's Oldest Man and the Oldest Surviving Veteran of the Great War
A unique story by a unique human beingDecember 7, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've seen so much of Henry on TV and in the press over the past few months - and his attempts to get out of his chair at the 90th anniversary celebrations at the cenotaph was very emotional. You cannot believe the tenacity someone of that age must have to get out and converse with people of all ages. I have bought and read the book and it is a fascinating read, it is astounding when you study the list of world events he has lived through - it is the history of the world as we all know it, which has been taught to us all in schools. To look at this old man and realise he is an actual living link to the long distant past is humbling, as well as profound. The message conveyed in the book is 'never give up' and I hope when he does eventually pass away, we will celebrate his life as joyously as he has lived it.
A merry Xmas Henry, your book deserves every success.
Never too lateNovember 11, 2008 8 out of 8 found this review helpful
What amazes me the most about Henry Allingham's fascinating and inspiring life story is that for 30 years he lived a quiet life in his Eastbourne flat, and hadn't spoken about the War since it ended. Then, after reaching 100, his life changed completely and he's now had up to 47 event appearances in a single year. This shows astonishing flexibility and ability to change. It is a truly inspiring book. Aside from the personal aspects given to many historical events it is an account of the triumph of the human spirit. Henry is a star!
Fine WorkNovember 3, 2008 8 out of 9 found this review helpful
The words of Henry Allingham are astonishingly sharp considering his great age. Thanks to his memories we get an intimate glimpse into Edwardian times. There are perceptive words too from the co-author that put Allingham's experiences into context. Altogether a fine work and a valuable resource.
A remarkable lifeOctober 16, 2008 16 out of 18 found this review helpful
Kitchener's Last Volunteer relates the story of a life remarkable in so many ways. Henry Allingham, the co-author along with Dennis Goodwin, was born in 1896 and the circumstances of his early life seem remarkable from the present day - truly a very different world This memoir focuses on his experiences during the First World War, where he served in the Royal Naval Air Service and saw action at both the Battle of Jutland and Third Ypres, and his recollections of those events are interspersed by historical notes that provide a detailed context to the personal stories. Beyond the First World War the book also deals with the author's experiences of the Great Depression, the Second World War and life in 20th-century Britain, until the final chapters describe how the author came to terms with his of war service and became active in commemoration and education. What really comes through form the book is the sheer breadth of Henry Allingham's life and experiences and it is a fascinating read and highly recommended.
A privilege to read, and a joy tooOctober 1, 2008 31 out of 32 found this review helpful
I've just finished reading this - a book I devoured almost without putting it down. That 112 year old can really write!
Henry Allingham is a fascinating character - the only man alive who saw the Grand Fleet steaming towards Jutland, and also the last of those who fought in the first air war in history. Mr. Allingham has a dry, self-deprecating style which is highly engaging. I was drawn into his autobiographical tale, almost as if he had been talking to me directly.
The narrative of this remarkable 112 year old is interspersed with short passages of historical scene-setting, filling in the background to Henry's story. Consequently they add rather than detract from the narrative.
The whole book is delightful - a personal narrative by an extremely personable old man. I've read several first-hand accounts by Great War veterans before, but this is in a league all of its own, both for the scope of Henry's story, and for the engaging way he tells it.
