Farewell to a hero
The last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, has died aged 105.
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Hemingway joined the Royal Air Force as a teenager before the Second World War.
At the young age of 21, he fought in the Battle of Britain as a fighter pilot.
The aerial battle was one of the most important throughout World War Two as Britain defended itself from on onslaught from the attacking German air force, lasting just over three months.
Tributes have poured in for the pilot, including from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who said that his courage and that of the RAF “helped end WWII and secure our freedom”.
Prince William also paid tribute, saying that “we owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today”.
He added that “their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered”.
Hemingway’s squadron was credited with shooting down 90 enemy aircraft during an 11-day window in May 1940 as well as provided fighter cover during the Battle of France.
He was shot down four times, but survived on each occasion.
Those who fought in the battle were referred to as “The Few” by then Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.
He said of their sacrifice: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
In a statement, the RAF said that Mr Hemingway had “passed away peacefully” on Monday.
It added: “This quiet, composed, thoughtful and mischievous individual may not have wanted to be the last of ‘The Few’, but he embodied the spirit of all those who flew sorties.
“His passing marks the end of an era and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom during World War II.”
Farewell to a hero.
