Jessica Lawrence of BBC News NI reported the passing of John “Paddy” Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, at the age of 105. Hailing from Dublin, Mr. Hemingway joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a teenager and became a fighter pilot at 21 during the Battle of Britain. This historic three-month period saw RAF personnel defending against the German Luftwaffe’s assault on the skies.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commended Mr. Hemingway’s bravery and that of all RAF pilots, highlighting their crucial role in ending World War II and securing freedom. Known as ‘The Few’, those who fought in the Battle of Britain were recognized by Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill for their sacrifices during the conflict. The RAF announced Mr. Hemingway’s peaceful passing on Monday.
Throughout his service, Gp Capt Hemingway’s squadron successfully downed 90 enemy aircraft, provided vital fighter cover during the Battle of France, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his acts of valor. Despite being shot down four times during the war, Mr. Hemingway’s resilience and composure shone through. His encounters with adversity, including emergency bailouts and crash landings, did not dampen his determination.
In a reflection on his wartime experiences, Mr. Hemingway rejected any claim to greatness, emphasizing that he and his colleagues were simply fulfilling their duty. His regret over the loss of friends, particularly Richard “Dickie” Lee, further humanizes his extraordinary contributions. The RAF acknowledged Mr. Hemingway’s passing as a poignant milestone, marking the end of an era and underscoring the sacrifices made by WWII veterans. Chief of RAF Air Staff, Sir Rich Knighton, praised Mr. Hemingway’s indomitable spirit and hailed him as a true embodiment of the RAF legacy
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
