Second World War aircraft engineer celebrates 100th birthday

A born and bred Southwark boy and former aircraft engineer from the Second World War has celebrated his 100th birthday.

William Henning is one of Southwark council’s most senior tenants, and was recently visited on his special centenary by a housing officer who wished him a happy birthday with cards and gifts.

Mr Henning, who was born near the Old Kent Road and has lived in Southwark all his life, said: “I’ve made lots of friends in Southwark and have a good support network.” 

In 1925, when Mr Henning was born, the Old Kent Road area was a hub of industry, with the Grand Surrey Canal network running under the bridges. 

George Livesey, Camberwell and Peckham’s first public library, would still have been open, and the R Whites Lemonade factory would have been making fizzy drinks for distribution down the canal.

Much of what Mr Henning would have been familiar with in the area as a child in Southwark was destroyed during the Second World War, by which time he was serving for four years as an aircraft engineer, repairing fighter planes. 

Mr Henning’s wife, Ivy Lilian, passed away 14 years ago. The couple moved into their council home, where he still lives, just after they were married.

Councillor Sarah King, cabinet member for council homes, said: “It’s such a huge privilege to learn about Mr Henning’s long life in the borough – what incredible changes he must have seen in Southwark over the years. 

“The kindness and care our staff have for the individual people they get to know is just wonderful and I’m proud both of them, and our amazing residents like William, who are part of such a fantastic community in Southwark. I wish Mr Henning a very happy birthday!”

Pictured top: William Henning celebrates his 100th birthday in his Southwark council home (Picture: Southwark council)