LongeviQuest is saddened to report that the UK’s oldest surviving veteran of the Second World War, Harry Waddingham, passed away peacefully on 26 March at the age of 109 years and 161 days. At the time of his death, he was the third-oldest man in the UK (and the second-oldest in England), behind Hugh Kerr and Arthur Aspinall.
Harry Waddingham was born in Fulham, Greater London, on 16 October 1916 to Harry (1895–1962) and Violet (1895–1977). He had one younger sister, Joan (1921–2018). Waddingham was brought up in Northern Ireland until 1922, when the family moved to Clacton-on-Sea. He married his first wife, Kathleen (1915–1991), in 1938, and they had two sons, Harry and Kevin.
During the Second World War, Waddingham served in the Royal Navy aboard several ships, including HMS Wakeful, HMS Juno, and HMS Mendip. He survived the sinking of HMS Wakeful during the Battle of Dunkirk, being one of only 25 crew members to survive. At the end of the war, he was honourably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant.
After the war, Waddingham obtained a degree in marine physics and, following a period as a schoolteacher, joined the Royal Air Force’s educational branch. He retired with the rank of Squadron Leader and later returned to teaching at Archbishop Tennison Grammar School in London.
In the 1980s, Waddingham moved to Bexhill-on-Sea, where he married his second wife, Collette (1933–2025), in 1984. During his retirement, he was an active member of the Freemasons, an organisation he had belonged to since 1954.
After becoming a centenarian in 2016, Waddingham spoke each year from the pulpit of St Peter’s Church. He often said his secret to longevity was “a daily tot of navy rum and not eating after 6 pm.”
Waddingham died a few months after his wife Collette. He is survived by his sons, Harry and Kevin.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Harry Waddingham during this difficult time.
