It also bears mention that if the Brits hadn't succeeded in fending off the Nazi air onslaught, the US would have had to find itself another aircraft carrier from which to launch the invasion of the European continent.
Posted on 03/17/2025 5:20:57 PM PDT by texanyankee
HERO Battle of Britain pilot Group Captain John “Paddy” Hemingway — the Last of the Few — died yesterday aged 105.
He was the only surviving fighter airman out of the thousands who defended Britain from Germany’s Luftwaffe onslaught in 1940 — who were hailed as “The Few” by grateful Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Mr Hemingway died in the Dublin care home where he had lived for eight years, his family confirmed last night.
He served with 85 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, was shot down four times and survived two crash landings during World War Two.
At the height of the Battle of Britain, Hemingway – then a 21-year-old Pilot Officer – was twice forced to bail out of his Hurricane fighter plane in the space of a week.
He was even involved in an air crash on the way to receive a medal for gallantry from King George VI at Buckingham Palace.
In 1945 he was shot down in Italy and escaped being captured when he dressed as a farm worker and a young girl walked him past German soldiers.
The wreckage of one of his planes, which nose-dived into Essex marshes after he was shot down in a battle against German bombers has been recovered and is being rebuilt.
Father-of-three Paddy, who died on St Patrick’s Day, maintained he survived the war as he “had the luck of the Irish”.
Last night his son Brian Hemingway said: “Dad was 105 and had a remarkable and long life.
"He suffered from pneumonia and died at 5.45 on Monday evening.”
Tonight the RAF said on X: "It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway DFC - Last of the Few.
"We reflect not only on his his sacrifices but the sacrifices of of all those who served and fought in WWII."
Defence Secretary John Healey has paid tribute to Wing Commander Hemingway.
He wrote on X: "Tonight we remember and give thanks for the extraordinary life of John 'Paddy' Hemingway DFC, the last of 'The Few'.
Paddy came from a generation who understood the importance of freedom and sacrificed so much to achieve it.
"The last known Battle of Britain Pilot, he embodied the deep courage of that incredible generation.
"On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones."
Lots of pictures in this article.
I’ll bet he never thought he was gonna live to no 105 when he was playing his part in the Battle of Britain…
“In 1945 he was shot down in Italy and escaped being captured when he dressed as a farm worker and a young girl walked him past German soldiers.“
One hell of a gutsy girl!
RIP Hero.
Like most, he figured he was dead already. He lived 85 more years than he thought he would.
Wonderful generation. Thank you for posting.
It was all downhill for Europe after WWII. They went stupid.
Eight years in a nursing home.
Rest In Peace, John.
A true hero!
Now days there would be a tiktok about it including selfies with the german soldiers.
It also bears mention that if the Brits hadn't succeeded in fending off the Nazi air onslaught, the US would have had to find itself another aircraft carrier from which to launch the invasion of the European continent.
There is something remarkably emancipating and exhilarating when you realize at some point in your early twenties that every moment you are still alive is the equivalent of “bonus time” (or injury time) at the end of a rugby match.
The complete acceptance of the reality that you are never more than one breath from eternity, makes each moment that much sweeter.
Thank God for women such as her, Nancy Wake, and Johanna Kruger.
Ain’t it the truth. Been there, done that. My way of coping. Most folks have their whole lives planned out, but true freedom is when you realize that the control you think you have is an illusion. I learned that from war. Find out what your mission is and focus on that.
A life well lived !
Never was so much owed by so many to so few (or to one).
Respect
Heartbreaking that the country he and his mates fought for has become what it is.
Finally, outta here!
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