'The world's oldest rebel': Campaigner and World War II veteran Harry Leslie Smith dies aged 95

SECOND World War veteran Harry Leslie Smith has died at the age of 95.

The activist, who became a popular figure through his Twitter account @harryslaststand, had taken ill in Canada following a fall earlier this month.

His son John had kept followers updated on his father’s time in hospital on social media, posting this morning: “At 3:39 this morning, my dad Harry Leslie Smith died. I am an orphan.”

At 3:39 this morning, my dad Harry Leslie Smith died. I am an orphan. #istandwithharry

— Voyage Around My Dad, Harry Leslie Smith (@Harryslaststand) November 28, 2018

Before losing consciousness I was able to play the clip below to my dad and when he heard his name being chanted he smiled with pleasure. https://t.co/qwHh0iUUoR

— Voyage Around My Dad, Harry Leslie Smith (@Harryslaststand) November 28, 2018

Self-described as the ‘world’s oldest rebel’, Harry supported Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and spoke at several party conferences.

A pilot in the Second World War, he spoke passionately about the NHS at the event in 2014.

He was a notable campaigner against austerity, and gained a huge following on social media and even started his own podcast.

He was also an author, writing Harry’s Last Stand, a book on ‘how the world my generation built is falling down, and what we can do to save it’.

“I am Harry Leslie Smith. I am the world’s oldest rebel.” #IstandwithHarry pic.twitter.com/ER4NRESv44

— Dr Lauren Gavaghan (@DancingTheMind) November 21, 2018

Tributes have been paid to Harry this morning on social media.

Ed Miliband wrote: “Very sad to hear of the death of Harry Leslie Smith. He was one of a kind who never wavered in his fight for equality and justice. We should all carry his passion, optimism and spirit forward.”

Actress Amanda Abbington tweeted: “An incredible and inspiring and beautiful man. I had the wonderful pleasure of knowing him and his loss will be felt immeasurably. A true hero, gentleman and warrior. He will forever be greatly and sadly missed.”