Henry Allingham, a former veteran of World War I, died on July 8, 2009 of natural causes. He was born in Clapton, London, and was enrolled in the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force at the age of 19. He was ranked as an Air Force Mechanic Second Class, and fought in the battles of Rutland and the Western Front. He was awarded Freedom of the town of Eastbourne, Freedom of the town of Saint-Omer, Freeman of Brighton and Hove, British War Medal, Victory Medal, and the Gold Medal of St. Omer.