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Last Surviving Battle of Britain Pilot, John 'Paddy' Hemingway, Dies at 105
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has announced the passing of John “Paddy” Hemingway, the last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain, at the age of 105.
Hemingway, who played a crucial role in the historic 1940 air battle against Nazi Germany’s Luftwaffe, died peacefully on Monday, marking what the RAF described as “the end of an era.”
As one of “The Few,” a term coined by Winston Churchill to honor the pilots who defended Britain, Hemingway’s bravery was widely recognized. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William led tributes, acknowledging his sacrifice and the freedom it secured.
Born in 1919 in Dublin, Hemingway joined the RAF in 1938. He downed a German plane in 1940 but was forced to crash-land after being hit by anti-aircraft fire. During the Battle of Britain, he survived two emergency bailouts, once into the sea and another into marshland. For his valor, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Hemingway later served as an air fighter controller during the 1944 D-Day operations, contributing to the liberation of Europe. The RAF described him as “quiet, composed, thoughtful, and mischievous,” embodying the resilience of those who defended Britain.
His passing serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II.
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