BAKERSFIELD- Ronnie Holdsworth, a 105-year-old former Royal Air Force (RAF) rear gunner, marked Remembrance Sunday with his British and American family at Bayshire Riverwalk Senior Living in Bakersfield, California, near Meadows Field Airport (BFL).
Unable to travel from the United States to the United Kingdom, Holdsworth received a special tribute at his retirement community, with support from the RAF, British Airways (BA) and the Ministry of Defence.
From Dangerous Bomber Missions to Peaceful Life
Born in Bradford, England, Holdsworth grew up in Great Horton and volunteered for the RAF in 1940 at the age of 18. He joined 158 Squadron and went on to fly 32 missions as a rear gunner aboard Halifax bombers.
Surviving more than 3 bombing raids was considered fortunate for someone in his position. Rear gunners faced some of the most dangerous conditions during wartime operations, often remaining exposed to enemy attacks throughout their missions.
Known as “Tail-End Charlies”, rear gunners operated from cramped turrets at the back of bombers, facing backwards while looking out for approaching enemy aircraft. Their position made them particularly vulnerable to attacks from underneath and behind.
Many rear gunners lost their lives during the war, making Holdsworth’s survival through 32 missions remarkable.
Holdsworth recalled feeling nervous when he first began flying operational missions. However, he gradually became accustomed to the experience after completing several flights.
“When I first started, I was nervous,” he said. “Then you got used to it when you had flown several times. But depending on the target you went to, it could get pretty rough.”
His experience reflected the unpredictable nature of bombing missions, where the level of danger could vary depending on the target and conditions encountered during each operation.
Lucky Charms He Never Flew Without
One unusual detail from Holdsworth’s wartime experience involved a bag of lucky charms that he carried on every mission.
On one occasion, he accidentally left the charms behind before boarding his bomber. His pilot noticed the mistake and refused to take off until Holdsworth retrieved them.
The pilot told him, “We are not going until you get out and get those lucky charms.”
Holdsworth climbed down from the aircraft, collected his bag, and returned before the mission proceeded.
“We used to take them on every mission,” he recalled.
The incident remained a memorable part of his wartime experiences and highlighted the personal traditions that accompanied airmen during dangerous operations.
From Bradford to California: Life After World War II
After his military service, Holdsworth emigrated to the United States in 1952 and established a new life there.
He worked as a milkman and salesman and raised two sons, Derek and Mike, with his wife, Margaret. She died 28 years ago, and Holdsworth now lives at Bayshire Riverwalk Senior Living in Bakersfield, California.
Although he is no longer able to travel to the United Kingdom, his connection with his British family and his wartime roots remains strong.
His great-niece, Angie Burns, travelled from Yorkshire to visit him and take part in the Remembrance Sunday celebrations. The family wanted to give him an opportunity to mark the occasion with the recognition his military service deserved.
Burns said she wanted the world to know about Holdsworth and his experiences so that his story would not be forgotten.
She also highlighted the importance of recognising his service and the responsibilities he undertook at such a young age.
“I feel really proud of Ronnie and I want the world to know about him and his story and for him not to be forgotten,” she said.
“His service and his duty at such a young age, his whole war story needs to be told. I feel very blessed and proud that we still have Ronnie here.”
Special Remembrance Sunday Tribute
Bayshire Riverwalk Senior Living organised a special celebration in Holdsworth’s honour, bringing together his British and American family members.
One of his requests for the event was to wear an original RAF uniform. He had returned his uniform when he was demobilised after the war and wanted the opportunity to wear one again during the tribute.
RAF Air Commodore Andrew Chisholm flew in from Washington to attend the celebration. He presented Holdsworth with reminders of his life in West Yorkshire, recognising his connection to the place where he grew up.
The event also featured musical performances by vocal trio The Harmony Dolls. Holdsworth joined in the celebrations and even got up to dance, adding another memorable moment to the occasion.
Reflecting on the event, he expressed his appreciation for everyone involved.
“It was marvellous. It was very very nice, I thank you all,” he said.
Family Praises Support
Burns said the family had decided to make the journey from Yorkshire to ensure that this year’s celebration would be special for Holdsworth.
She also expressed gratitude for the support received from organisations and individuals in the United Kingdom and the United States.
The RAF, British Airways and the Ministry of Defence were among those who supported the family. However, Burns particularly praised the American community and the retirement village for their respect and support.
“We have been overwhelmed by the gratitude and the support from people back home, including the RAF, British Airways and the Ministry of Defence, but mostly the Americans here,” she said.
“The American people have been outstanding. They do so much for their veterans and they are so respectful.”
Last Surviving Bomber Command Veterans
Holdsworth is believed to be one of the last remaining Bomber Command airmen still alive.
His wartime record of 32 missions with 158 Squadron provides a personal account of the dangerous operations carried out by RAF bomber crews during World War II.
His experience as a rear gunner also represents the risks faced by young airmen who served in exposed positions aboard Halifax bombers.
Now aged 105, Holdsworth’s story connects present generations with the experiences of those who served during the conflict.
His family’s efforts to organise the Remembrance Sunday celebration also reflect the importance of documenting veterans’ experiences and recognising their contributions.
Ronnie Holdsworth’s Message
For Holdsworth, remembering World War II is not only about recognising the sacrifices made by military personnel. It is also about ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of conflict.
Reflecting on the war and the veterans who are still alive, he said that those who experienced the fighting do not want the same events to happen again.
“The guys that are left remember what happened and we don’t want it to happen again. We need more peace,” he said.
He also expressed his belief that people should work together, maintain friendly relationships and avoid further conflict.
“We have had enough of that kind of stuff, we don’t need it anymore, we need more peace and that’s about it. We need to get together and be friendly.”
After surviving 32 dangerous bombing missions and building a new life thousands of miles from his birthplace, Holdsworth’s message remains focused on the future.
His Remembrance Sunday celebration honoured his wartime service while giving him an opportunity to share a message that has remained central to his life: the world needs more peace.
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