London, November 11, 2026 - While age prevented Second World War RAF veteran Ronnie Holdsworth from returning to the UK for Remembrance Sunday, British Airways helped bring family, memories and tributes from home to him.
The airline supported the journey of Ronnie's family from London Heathrow to Los Angeles over Remembrance weekend, enabling them to join him in Bakersfield, California, for a special Veterans ceremony.
Ronnie Hodsworth joined the Royal Air Force in 1940 and later served as a Rear Gunner with No. 158 Squadron, completing 32 operational missions aboard Halifax bombers during the Second World War. More than eight decades since his wartime service, Ronnie’s remarkable spirit and resilience continue to inspire family, friends and fellow veterans on both sides of the Atlantic.
Among those making the journey was Ronnie's great-great-niece, Freya Burns, a British Airways colleague, who travelled with family members carrying a collection of wartime memorabilia celebrating Ronnie's service during the Second World War.
These included a framed Halifax bomber print signed by the Chief of the Air Staff, a Flight Sergeant uniform sourced by the RAF Museum, and personal messages sent on behalf of His Majesty The King and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.
The flight was operated by Captain Jon Brown, a former military reservist, who personally transported Ronnie’s wartime memorabilia in the cockpit during the flight to Los Angeles.
Freya Burns, Ronnie's great-great-niece and a British Airways colleague, said: "At 105 years old, travelling back to the UK isn't possible for Ronnie, so it meant everything to be able to fly to California and be with him for Remembrance Day. Being together as a family and celebrating his remarkable service made for an incredibly special and emotional weekend.
"We're so grateful to British Airways and the RAF for helping us to honour Ronnie and create memories we'll cherish forever."
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, said: “The military is a community that stays with you for life. However long ago you served, and wherever life has taken you since, you remain part of our Armed Forces family.
“Ronnie is one of us and always will be. This Armistice Day, it is absolutely right that we recognise his courage and service, alongside all our veterans, serving personnel, families and cadets who continue to strengthen the communities in which they live and serve.”
Sean Doyle, British Airways Chairman and CEO, said: "Ronnie's story is a remarkable reminder of the generation owe so much to. Everyone at British Airways was proud to play a small part in bringing Ronnie's family together in California for Remembrance Day, ensuring he could mark this important occasion surrounded by loved ones. Ronnie's extraordinary wartime service continues to inspire us all, and everyone at British Airways joins me in thanking him for his service."
