John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, the last surviving pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain, has died aged 105.
Dublin-born Paddy joined the RAF in 1938, and two years later was among the cohort who were memorably dubbed ‘the few’ by Winston Churchill.
His death comes less than two months before the UK marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day with several days of celebrations and commemorations.
Before climbing into his Hurricane cockpit to fight the Luftwaffe over Britain in 1940, Paddy also fought in the Battle of France and flew supporting missions in the Battle of Dunkirk.
He served as a pilot in No 85 Squadron, which was in the front line of the 11 Group (Fighter Command) response to Nazi aircraft attacking the UK in what became known as the Battle of Britain.
In August 1940, he was twice forced to bail out of his fighter plane – landing off the coast of Essex one time, and in marshland the other.
In all, the Irishman was shot down four times in battle but always lived to tell the tale.
He remained in the RAF for almost 15 years after the end of the Second World War, finally retiring as a Group Captain in 1969.
On May 7 2020, Paddy became the last surviving member of The Few when Terry Clark died hours before the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
When asked about the secret to his long life, he replied: ‘I can’t say don’t drink. I can’t say don’t fool about with people. I can’t say don’t fly and get shot at – I’ve done everything, and I’m an Irishman.
‘The only advice I can give to people is to be Irish.’
His death at the age of 105 came on St Patrick’s Day.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was ‘saddened’ to hear of Paddy’s death.
He added: ‘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.
‘He never considered himself a hero and often referred to himself as the “Lucky Irishman”, a man simply doing his job, like so many others of his generation.
‘Despite his sacrifice, he would tell stories of the joyous memories he made and moments he shared with his peers, many of whom never returned home.
‘Their sense of duty and service secured our freedom, and we shall never forget them.’
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, said he was ‘thankful’ to have been able to ‘meet and spend time with him in Dublin, most recently in January this year’.
‘Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force,’ he said.
Sir Rich added: ‘His passing should make us reflect not only on his sacrifices, but the sacrifices of all those who served and fought in the air, on the ground and on the seas during this period, as well as those workers producing vital equipment for the military and those families at home.
‘This was a generation who understood the importance of service and comradeship. A generation who believed that with hard work, clarity of purpose and a determination to succeed, they would not lose.
‘Their efforts and the efforts of all our personnel past and present are the bedrock on which the Royal Air Force maintains the security of the UK at home and abroad.’
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