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WWI survivor marks 109th birthday | WWI survivor marks 109th birthday |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A woman thought to be the last living World War I veteran in the UK is celebrating her 109th birthday. | |
A senior RAF officer visited retired waitress Florence Green at her home in King's Lynn, Norfolk, to present her with a cake and handwritten card. | A senior RAF officer visited retired waitress Florence Green at her home in King's Lynn, Norfolk, to present her with a cake and handwritten card. |
Mrs Green joined the Women's RAF (WRAF) in September 1918 - two months before the Great War ended and six months after the RAF and WRAF were formed. | Mrs Green joined the Women's RAF (WRAF) in September 1918 - two months before the Great War ended and six months after the RAF and WRAF were formed. |
She served as a mess steward at Norfolk RAF bases in Marham and Narborough. | She served as a mess steward at Norfolk RAF bases in Marham and Narborough. |
It had been thought that veterans Harry Patch and Henry Allingham - who both died in July 2009 - had been the last Britons living in the UK to serve in the World War I. | |
However, Mrs Green's story came to light earlier this year after a researcher unearthed details of her service record. | However, Mrs Green's story came to light earlier this year after a researcher unearthed details of her service record. |
Wing Commander Adrian Burns from RAF Marham and mess steward Hannah Shaw, 17, visited Mrs Green to mark her special day. | Wing Commander Adrian Burns from RAF Marham and mess steward Hannah Shaw, 17, visited Mrs Green to mark her special day. |
'Fitting celebration' | 'Fitting celebration' |
She was born in London but moved to King's Lynn as a child. | She was born in London but moved to King's Lynn as a child. |
Wing Commander Burns presented a birthday card signed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of the Air Staff. | Wing Commander Burns presented a birthday card signed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of the Air Staff. |
Mrs Green, who also received a birthday card from the Queen, had not been fit enough to travel to Marham for a celebration. | Mrs Green, who also received a birthday card from the Queen, had not been fit enough to travel to Marham for a celebration. |
"It's a special day," said Wing Commander Burns. | "It's a special day," said Wing Commander Burns. |
"We only learned of Florence's record recently and we're just getting to know her. | "We only learned of Florence's record recently and we're just getting to know her. |
"We thought it fitting that Hannah - who does the job Florence did 92 years ago - should be here to mark the day." | "We thought it fitting that Hannah - who does the job Florence did 92 years ago - should be here to mark the day." |
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