Last surviving pilot of WWII Battle of Britain has died aged 105

Dubliner, John "Paddy" Hemingway, an RAF pilot and member of "The Few", is remembered as a hero.

Group Captain John "Paddy" Hemingway was born in Dublin in 1919. He enlisted in the British Royal Airforce in 1938 and went on be become one of the young pilots who fought in World War II's Battle of France. 

The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defense announced on St. Patrick's Day that Group Captain Hemingway passed away peacefully, aged 105. He had been in residence at the Trinity Nursing Home, in south Dublin. Last year an event was held at the British Embassy in Dublin to mark his 105th birthday.

Upon hearing of Hemingway's passing, Prince William said “I was sad to hear about the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway this morning, the last of ‘The Few’'.

“We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them.”

Britain's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer said "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."

RAF Group Captain John "Paddy" Hemingway.

Air Chief Marshal Rich Knighton passed condolences to Mr Hemingway's family and friends saying "I am thankful that I was 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."

The Ministry of Defense released a statement describing Group Captain Hemingway's huge contribution to World War II and the RAF's mission:

"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.

"Eighty-five years ago, a nineteen-year-old Royal Air Force Pilot Officer from Ireland, flew his Hurricane in the skies over France, providing fighter cover (strafing attacks, air patrols and dogfights) to the British Expeditionary Force and other allied troops as they retreated to the beaches of Dunkirk in the face of overwhelming Nazi Blitzkrieg attacks. It became known as the ‘Battle of France’."

The statement continues "John Allman ‘Paddy’ Hemingway was the last Battle of France and Battle of Britain (last of “The Few”) pilot. He never saw his role in the Battle of Britain as anything other than doing the job he was trained to do. He didn’t see it as an epoch-making moment in the history of the RAF or the United Kingdom.

"Paddy always had a twinkle in his eyes as he recalled the fun times with colleagues in France and London. This quiet, composed, thoughtful and mischievous individual may not have wanted to be the last of ‘The Few’, but he embodied the spirit of all those who flew sorties over this green and pleasant land. 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."

Below listen to an interview with Group Captain John "Paddy" Hemingway from 2024 on his incredible achievements: