He was born in Liverpool in 1912, RIP

John Alfred Tinniswood was born 26 August 1912 in Liverpool, only 11 years after the death of Queen Victoria and he would go on to live through two world wars as well as everything else that went on in the 20th century.

Back in April the centenarian became the oldest living male in the world, an achievement awarded with a certificate from Guinness World Records.

John lived in a care home in Southport and earlier this year spoke to Sky News about his long life putting his longevity down to "just luck".

He said at the time: "I can't think of any special secrets I have.

"I was quite active as a youngster, I did a lot of walking. Whether that had something to do with it, I don't know. But to me, I'm no different [to anyone]. No different at all."

He added: "I just take it in my stride like anything else, why I've lived that long I have no idea at all."

John lived through two world wars, the creation of the BBC, the Suffrage movement, and the founding of the United Nations and held the title as the world's oldest surviving male Second World War veteran.

He served in an administrative role for the Royal Army Pay Corps with his work involving logistical tasks that included locating stranded soldiers and organising food supplies and the occasional accounting and auditing.

Upon his 109 birthday, John gave further, rather conservative, but sensible advice to ITV Granada.

He said: “Always try never to exceed what you can normally do.

“Otherwise you’re going to injure yourself either physically or mentally, so always stay within your limits of what you can do.”

John was a popular figure in his care home in Southport with one of his nurses saying at the time: "He doesn’t want a fuss [and] in previous years he’s said being in his hundreds is no different to being in his 90s or 80s.”

“He’s a pleasure,” she concluded.

John used to say a chippy tea on a Friday and everything in moderation was the key to his brilliantly long life.

In his century-old wisdom, offering advice to those that want to live as long as him, he said:

“Well, that would be rather impudent in a way.

“Each do as he wants.”

Rest in peace to a man who lived a long and full life.