The family of Hannah Waddingham is mourning the loss of a remarkable man whose life spanned more than a century of history. Her grandfather, Harry Waddingham — one of Britain’s oldest surviving World War II veterans — has died at the age of 109.
A Royal Navy gunner who lived through some of the most brutal moments of the war, Harry’s passing was confirmed by the Royal Navy Association, who paid tribute in a heartfelt statement: “Truly one of the last of our greatest generation. He lived a long and full life and he will be greatly missed. RIP Shipmate, your duty is done, we have the watch.”
Harry’s extraordinary journey began when he joined the Royal Navy at just 16 years old in 1932. He went on to serve throughout World War II as both a gunner and physical training instructor, rising through the ranks from able seaman to lieutenant.
During the war, he survived not one but two devastating ship sinkings — experiences that would define his legacy. While serving aboard HMS Wakeful during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940, the vessel was struck by a German torpedo and split in two. Recalling the horror, Harry once said: “Really you never slept and my memory of those days was constant tiredness. And hardly being able to stand. But suddenly there was a bang and the ship went down.”
He described how hundreds of soldiers and crew were thrown into the sea, adding: “Those who were on the outer part of the upper deck must have been catapulted into the air and dropped into the sea. There were 600 soldiers plus a ship’s crew of about 200. Only those on the upper deck survived.” Against overwhelming odds, Harry was among the few who made it out alive.
A year later, tragedy struck again when he was aboard HMS Juno during the evacuation of Crete. The ship was bombed by German and Italian aircraft and sank within minutes. Harry later reflected on the chaos, saying: “We were sunk by flights and flights of German and Italian aircraft. We were taking people from Crete to Alexandria in Egypt.” Despite his survival, more than 100 men lost their lives in that attack.
After the war, Harry rebuilt his life with the same resilience that carried him through battle. He earned a degree in marine physics, became a teacher, and later served in the RAF’s educational wing, eventually retiring as a squadron leader. He also taught at Archbishop Tenison’s School in Croydon, shaping generations long after the war had ended.
Just last year, Hannah honoured her grandfather during a moving speech at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. Fighting back emotion, she said: “I join you tonight, with endless thanks for all who served. Including my own grandfather. Harry Waddingham, who at 109 still shares with me memories from his time in the Royal Navy, they are stories I will truly treasure all my life.”
She added that he was watching from home that evening, saying: “I am, of course, thinking of you, grandad, and all the veterans watching from their living rooms.”
Harry Waddingham passed away in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex — leaving behind not only a grieving family, but a nation remembering one of its final living links to a generation defined by sacrifice, courage, and survival.
