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2mo ago

Last Battle of Britain Pilot John 'Paddy' Hemingway Dies at 105

Hemingway's death marks the end of a living connection to 'The Few,' the RAF pilots who defended Britain during WWII's pivotal air campaign.

John "Paddy" Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of the iconic Battle of Britain, passed away peacefully on the 17th of March 2025 at the age of 105. Paddy Hemingway, one of a number known as ‘the Few’ and revered figures in British aviation history, played a crucial role in defending the United Kingdom against Nazi oppression during the summer of 1940. His courage in the face of overwhelming odds demonstrated his sense of duty and the importance of British resilience. STOCK IMAGE FROM 2022
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The fighter pilots of the Battle of Britain provided the derring-do that was foundational to Britain’s postwar identity

Overview

  • John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain, passed away on March 17, 2025, in Dublin at the age of 105.
  • Hemingway was a member of 'The Few,' the RAF pilots who defended Britain during the 1940 Battle of Britain, a critical turning point in WWII.
  • He survived being shot down four times during the war, including twice in August 1940 while flying Hurricane fighters against the Luftwaffe.
  • Hemingway was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1941 for his gallantry and served in the RAF until his retirement in 1969 as a Group Captain.
  • Tributes from figures such as the Prime Minister and the Prince of Wales highlight his humility, courage, and the sacrifices of his generation.