The Royal Air Force announced today the passing of John “Paddy” Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain, at the age of 105. A revered figure in British aviation history, Hemingway was one of “The Few” who defended the United Kingdom against Nazi aggression in the summer of 1940. His bravery in the face of overwhelming odds exemplified the resilience and determination that defined the RAF’s finest hour.
Born in Ireland, Hemingway joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a young pilot and was soon thrust into the conflict. In May 1940, at just 19 years old, he flew his Hawker Hurricane during the Battle of France, providing crucial fighter cover for the British Expeditionary Force as they retreated toward Dunkirk. Assigned to No. 85 Squadron, he faced relentless combat against the Luftwaffe, downing multiple enemy aircraft. On May 11, after destroying a Dornier Do 17, his Hurricane was hit by anti-aircraft fire, forcing him to crash-land. As German forces advanced, Hemingway and his squadron withdrew to England to continue the fight.
Under the command of Peter Townsend, No. 85 Squadron became a front-line unit during the Battle of Britain, engaging in daily aerial battles against the Luftwaffe. Hemingway’s logbook records numerous sorties, including fierce dogfights in August 1940, where he was twice forced to bail out—once into the sea off Essex and another time into marshland. The intense combat and loss of comrades took a toll on Hemingway, particularly the death of his close friend, Richard “Dickie” Lee, DSO, DFC, in August 1940. Despite the emotional strain, he continued his service, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) on July 1, 1941, and a Mention in Dispatches that September. His journey to receive the DFC from King George VI was eventful—his aircraft, a Bristol Blenheim, crashed on takeoff, though he managed to escape unharmed.
Hemingway’s wartime service was marked by several near-death experiences. In 1941, flying a Havoc night fighter from RAF Hunsdon, he bailed out at just 600 feet due to an instrument failure in bad weather. His parachute failed to deploy properly, but he survived after becoming entangled in tree branches. In April 1945, while serving in 324 Wing of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, he was forced to parachute into enemy territory near Ravenna, Italy, after his Spitfire was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Rescued by Italian partisans, he successfully returned to his unit. Despite his distinguished service, Hemingway remained humble about his role in history. He viewed his participation in the Battle of Britain as simply doing the job he was trained for, never seeking recognition for what became a defining moment in the war. Known for his quiet yet mischievous personality, he often spoke fondly of the camaraderie he shared with his fellow pilots. With his passing, an era comes to an end. John “Paddy” Hemingway was the last surviving Battle of France and Battle of Britain pilot. Read the RAF’s note at THIS LINK.
