Last Surviving Battle of Britain Pilot, John “Paddy” Hemingway, Dies at 105

John “Paddy” Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of the legendary Battle of Britain, has passed away at the age of 105. The Royal Air Force (RAF) confirmed that Hemingway, a decorated war hero and a member of “The Few,” died peacefully on Monday.

Born in Dublin, Hemingway joined the RAF before World War II and played a crucial role in Britain’s defense against relentless Luftwaffe air raids from July to September 1940. His squadron shot down 90 enemy aircraft in just 11 days during the Battle of France, proving their effectiveness in the skies.

During the war, Hemingway survived being shot down four times. On two occasions in August 1940, he was forced to bail out of his Hurricane fighter—once landing in the sea and another time in a marsh. In 1941, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his bravery, though on his way to collect the award, he had to escape from a crashing aircraft yet again.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, the head of the RAF, called Hemingway “an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force.”

Hemingway retired from the RAF in 1974, but his legacy endured as a symbol of resilience and sacrifice. His passing marks the end of an era, closing the chapter on a generation of pilots who risked everything to secure Britain’s freedom.

Though he never sought fame, his story will continue to inspire generations to come.