By Rejoice Henrietta Otoo Arthur
The last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain, John “Paddy” Hemingway, has passed away at the age of 105. Originally from Dublin, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a teenager before World War II began.
At just 21 years old, Hemingway fought in the Battle of Britain, a crucial period when British and Allied air forces defended the country from German attacks. The pilots who took part in this battle became known as “The Few,” a name inspired by a famous speech from then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Hemingway, recognising his bravery and the contributions of RAF pilots in helping to end the war and preserve freedom. The RAF confirmed that Hemingway passed away peacefully on Monday.
During his service, Hemingway’s squadron successfully shot down 90 enemy planes over 11 days in May 1940. He provided air support for troops during the Battle of France and was shot down four times during the war. On two occasions in August 1940, he had to eject from his aircraft, once landing in the sea and another time in a marsh.
In 1941, Hemingway was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery in combat. However, on his way to receive the medal from the king, he survived yet another plane crash when the aircraft he was in failed during takeoff.
While serving in RAF Hunsdon, he had to parachute from his aircraft after an equipment failure. He broke his hand on the plane’s tail, and his parachute only opened after getting caught in tree branches, preventing a fatal fall. Later, while fighting in Italy, his Spitfire was hit, and he landed in enemy territory. Fortunately, local Italians helped him return to the Allied forces.
Despite his extraordinary experiences, Hemingway never sought fame. Speaking in 2023, he said he and his fellow pilots were simply doing the job they were trained for. However, he deeply mourned the loss of friends, especially his close companion, Richard “Dickie” Lee, who died in August 1940.
The RAF described Hemingway’s passing as “the end of an era,” acknowledging his bravery and the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom. They recalled him as a thoughtful, mischievous man who loved sharing stories of his time in the war.
Chief of RAF Air Staff, Sir Rich Knighton, who met Hemingway earlier this year, called him an incredible person who truly represented the spirit and courage of the Royal Air Force.
