The last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain, John “Paddy” Hemingway, has died at the age of 105. The Royal Air Force (RAF) announced that Hemingway, who fought in World War II, passed away peacefully on Monday. He was one of “the Few” who defended Britain against relentless air raids by the German Luftwaffe from July to September 1940, following the fall of France. During an 11-day period in May 1940, the pilot’s squadron managed to bring down 90 enemy aircraft.

Hemingway, who was born in Dublin in 1919, joined the RAF in 1938. Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to Hemingway, acknowledging the pilot’s bravery and determination. He also emphasized the sacrifices made by Hemingway and his fellow RAF pilots in protecting the UK and its allies during World War II. Group Captain Hemingway retired from the RAF in 1974.

Defense Secretary John Healey acknowledged the significance of Hemingway’s generation and the sacrifices they made to secure freedom. Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton highlighted Hemingway as an inspiring character whose life story epitomized the values of the Royal Air Force. Hemingway became the last surviving member of “the Few” after Terry Clark died in May 2020 at the age of 101. Clark, who had served as a radar operator during World War II, passed away in a care home due to natural causes.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/17/john-paddy-hemingway-the-last-battle-of-britain-pilot-dies-aged-105