Tributes Paid to Last Surviving Battle of Britain Pilot John 'Paddy' Hemingway
The Prince of Wales and Prime Minister express condolences following the passing of the World War II veteran at age 105.
John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain, has passed away at the age of 105.
Prince William expressed his sorrow over Hemingway's death, emphasizing the debt of gratitude owed to the former fighter pilot and his generation for their contributions to freedom in Britain.
In a statement published on social media, William remarked, "We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today.
Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered.
We shall never forget them."
Hemingway, originally from Dublin, was part of the group famously referred to as “The Few,” a term coined by Winston Churchill to honor the pilots who defended the United Kingdom during the summer and autumn of 1940. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a teenager prior to the outbreak of World War II.
During the pivotal Battle of Britain in 1940, Hemingway recorded the destruction of a German airliner and subsequently downed a German Luftwaffe plane, although his own Hurricane fighter was damaged by anti-aircraft fire, necessitating a forced landing.
His logbook documents his participation in up to five daily sorties, defending the UK against relentless German aerial assaults.
In the course of intense dogfights, Hemingway faced significant challenges, including being forced to bail out of his aircraft on two occasions in August 1940, with landings in the sea off the Essex coast and in marshland.
For his actions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) on July 1, 1941, and was later mentioned in despatches by senior officers.
Hemingway also played a crucial role as an air fighter controller during operations on D-Day and joined the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces in 1945 with 324 Wing.
In addition to Prince William’s tribute, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer conveyed his condolences, stating that he was saddened by Hemingway’s passing.
Starmer highlighted the bravery of Hemingway and his fellow RAF pilots in their efforts to protect the UK and its allies during World War II, asserting that these pilots risked their lives in their critical mission.
He mentioned Hemingway’s humility, noting how he referred to himself as the 'Lucky Irishman', rather than a hero.
Defence Secretary John Healey commended Hemingway as a representative of a generation that recognized the significance of freedom and made immense sacrifices for it.
He described Hemingway as embodying the remarkable courage characteristic of that incredible generation.
Prince William expressed his sorrow over Hemingway's death, emphasizing the debt of gratitude owed to the former fighter pilot and his generation for their contributions to freedom in Britain.
In a statement published on social media, William remarked, "We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today.
Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered.
We shall never forget them."
Hemingway, originally from Dublin, was part of the group famously referred to as “The Few,” a term coined by Winston Churchill to honor the pilots who defended the United Kingdom during the summer and autumn of 1940. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a teenager prior to the outbreak of World War II.
During the pivotal Battle of Britain in 1940, Hemingway recorded the destruction of a German airliner and subsequently downed a German Luftwaffe plane, although his own Hurricane fighter was damaged by anti-aircraft fire, necessitating a forced landing.
His logbook documents his participation in up to five daily sorties, defending the UK against relentless German aerial assaults.
In the course of intense dogfights, Hemingway faced significant challenges, including being forced to bail out of his aircraft on two occasions in August 1940, with landings in the sea off the Essex coast and in marshland.
For his actions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) on July 1, 1941, and was later mentioned in despatches by senior officers.
Hemingway also played a crucial role as an air fighter controller during operations on D-Day and joined the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces in 1945 with 324 Wing.
In addition to Prince William’s tribute, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer conveyed his condolences, stating that he was saddened by Hemingway’s passing.
Starmer highlighted the bravery of Hemingway and his fellow RAF pilots in their efforts to protect the UK and its allies during World War II, asserting that these pilots risked their lives in their critical mission.
He mentioned Hemingway’s humility, noting how he referred to himself as the 'Lucky Irishman', rather than a hero.
Defence Secretary John Healey commended Hemingway as a representative of a generation that recognized the significance of freedom and made immense sacrifices for it.
He described Hemingway as embodying the remarkable courage characteristic of that incredible generation.
