World's oldest man who was born the year the Titanic sank dies aged 112

John Tinniswood
Guinness World Record
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 26/11/2024

- 10:40

Updated: 26/11/2024

- 11:24

John Tinniswood died in a care home in Southport

The world's oldest man, who was born the same year that the Titanic sank, has died at the age of 112.

Guinness World Records said John Tinniswood, who was born in Liverpool, died on Monday at a care home in Southport.


A spokesman said: "His last day was surrounded by music and love."

Tinniswood was born on August 26, 1912, in Liverpool, the city where he grew up and eventually met his wife, Blodwen.

\u200bJohn Tinniswood

John Tinniswood was born in 1912

Guinness World Record

Tinniswood lived to be the fourth-oldest British man in recorded history. He is survived by his daughter, four grandchildren Annouchka, Marisa, Toby and Rupert and three great-grandchildren Tabitha, Callum and Nieve.

A statement from his family said: "John had many fine qualities. He was intelligent, decisive, brave, calm in any crisis, talented at maths and a great conversationalist.”

They added: "John moved to the Hollies Rest Home just before his 100th birthday and his kindness and enthusiasm for life were an inspiration to the care home staff and his fellow residents.

"John always liked to say thank you. So on his behalf, thanks to all those who cared for him over the years, including his carers at the Hollies Care Home, his GPs, district nurses, occupational therapist and other NHS staff."

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\u200bJohn worked for the Royal Army Pay Corps

John worked for the Royal Army Pay Corps

Guinness World Records

Tinniswood served in the Royal Army Pay Corps during the Second World War, responsible for administering finances as well as organizing food supplies and locating stranded soldiers.

After the war, he spent his career working in accounts for Shell and BP before retiring in 1972, aged 60.

He met Blodwen at a dance and later got married in 1942, which John would later describe as one of his fondest memories. A year later, their daughter Susan was born.

Tinniswood said: "If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much; if you do too much of anything, you’re going to suffer eventually."

As well as being a lifelong Liverpool FC fan, he enjoyed a portion of battered fish and chips every Friday.

Tinniswood lived through all but two of the Liverpool's 66 top flight trophies, having missed the first two league titles in 1901 and 1906.

Since turning 100 in 2012, he had received an annual birthday card from the monarch, first from the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was his junior by almost 14 years, and, more recently, from King Charles III.

The family have requested any donations in his memory be made to Age UK, or a charity of their own choice.

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