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WWII Hero, 109, Dies as Country's Oldest Veteran
31 Mar
Summary
- World War II veteran Harry Waddingham passed away at 109 years old.
- He survived being torpedoed twice and sinking of two ships.
- He was Britain's oldest living veteran at the time of his death.
World War II veteran Harry Waddingham, Britain's oldest living veteran, has passed away at the age of 109. He became the nation's oldest veteran following the death of Donald Rose in July 2025. Born in 1916, Waddingham began his military career at 16, serving in the Royal Navy from the first to the last day of World War II.
His wartime experiences were perilous, including surviving two torpedo attacks and the sinking of two vessels. He served on six ships, with the Hunt Class destroyer HMS Mendip being a notable vessel. He recounted instances where his ships, HMS Wakeful and HMS Juno, were struck by torpedoes and bombs, respectively, sinking rapidly.
Following the war, Waddingham was discharged as a lieutenant. He later pursued a career in education, earning a marine physics degree and becoming a school teacher. He also held a position within the RAF's educational wing, retiring with the rank of squadron leader. He resided in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, where he died.
