John "Paddy" Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, has died at 105

John "Paddy" Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain, passed away at the age of 105, marking the end of an era that witnessed extraordinary valor during World War II. As a young pilot officer in No. 85 Squadron, Hemingway participated in pivotal aerial engagements against the Luftwaffe, showcasing remarkable bravery and skill . His contributions were not only significant for his squadron but also emblematic of the collective efforts made by "The Few," a term that encapsulates those who defended British skies during this critical period.

The last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, John "Paddy" Hemingway, has died at the age of 105.

Mr Hemingway, who was originally from Dublin, joined the Royal Air Force [RAF] as a teenager before World War Two.

At 21, he was a fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain, a three-month period when air force personnel defended the skies against a large-scale assault by the German air force, the Luftwaffe.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Mr. Hemingway, expressing sadness over his passing and acknowledging the indelible impact of his bravery. Starmer noted, "Eighty years ago, the courage and determination of Paddy and all our brave RAF pilots helped bring an end to the Second World War. They fearlessly flew over enemy territory to protect the UK and its Allies, risking their lives." Mr. Hemingway himself often described his experiences modestly, referring to himself as "the lucky Irishman" and emphasizing he was simply "doing the job."

In July 1941, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded to RAF personnel for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty while flying in active operations.

On the way to receive his medal from the King, he was forced to escape from a Blenheim aircraft, which had crashed during take-off.

In a statement, the Royal Air Force said that Mr Hemingway "passed away peacefully" on Monday.

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", they added.

Hemingway's wartime experiences included being shot down four times and executing emergency bailouts on multiple occasions . These harrowing incidents underscored both his fortitude and resilience amid relentless enemy attacks. His receipt of the Distinguished Flying Cross further attested to his exceptional service and dedication to protecting freedom . The legacy left by Hemingway serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during one of history's most tumultuous times.

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Sarah H

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