John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, passes away at 105

John “Paddy” Hemingway, the last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain, has passed away at the age of 105. He was instrumental in Britain’s defence against relentless Luftwaffe air raids between July and September 1940, following the fall of France.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) announced that Hemingway, one of "the Few" who fought in the skies during World War II, passed away peacefully on Monday. According to the RAF, the pilot’s squadron downed 90 enemy aircraft over an 11-day period in May 1940, reported The Guardian.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer honoured John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, calling him “the last known pilot of the Battle of Britain.” He praised Hemingway and his fellow RAF pilots for their bravery in protecting the UK during WWII, noting their sacrifices secured our freedom.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of the last known pilot of the Battle of Britain. 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. Their sense of duty and service secured our freedom, and we shall never forget them.”

Hemingway, who saw himself as a "lucky Irishman" rather than a hero, often shared stories of camaraderie with those who never made it home.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, described Hemingway as “a remarkable individual whose life story reflects the enduring greatness of the Royal Air Force.”

Hemingway became the last surviving member of the Few following Terry Clark’s passing in May 2020 at the age of 101.