17/03/2025
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC – the last Battle of Britain Pilot.
Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force.
His passing should make us reflect not only on his sacrifices, but on the sacrifices of all those who served and fought during WWII.
Condolence Message from Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton:
"It is with great sadness that I heard of the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC today. I am thankful that I was able to meet and spend time with him in Dublin, most recently in January this year. Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force. In his youth he travelled from Ireland to join the RAF and following the outbreak of World War Two, was assigned to No. 85 Squadron in France, where he is recorded as destroying two enemy aircraft during the Battle for France, as well as flying supporting missions during the Battle of Dunkirk. He eventually retired from the RAF in 1969 as a Group Captain. Throughout his life he inspired those he knew and served with. My thoughts are with his family and all those who cared for him over the past few years.
Paddy returned to the UK and was soon flying in Hurricanes against enemy aircraft in what became known as the Battle of Britain. He was the last pilot from that supreme effort to keep the enemy from our shores. His passing should make us reflect not only on his sacrifices, but the sacrifices of all those who served and fought in the air, on the ground and on the seas during this period, as well as those workers producing vital equipment for the military and those families at home.
This was a generation who understood the importance of service and comradeship. A generation who believed that with hard work, clarity of purpose and a determination to succeed, they would not lose. Their efforts and the efforts of all our personnel past & present are the bedrock on which the Royal Air Force maintains the security of the UK at home and abroad. Their sense of duty and willingness to put others before themselves should inspire those who will build the next generation Air Force."
Paddy, thank you for your service.
Per Ardua ad Astra
Read more: https://raf.mod.uk/news/articles/the-last-surviving-battle-of-britain-pilot-john-paddy-hemingway-dfc-passes-away/
