John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway: The Last of ‘The Few’

On March 17, 2025, the world bid farewell to an iconic hero, John “Paddy” Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of “The Few” who fought in the Battle of Britain. At the age of 105, Hemingway’s passing marked the end of an era and served as a solemn reminder of the incredible courage and sacrifice of the airmen who defended Britain during World War II.

Early Life and Entry into the RAF

Born on July 17, 1919, in Dublin, Ireland, Hemingway joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1938. His career took him through some of the most crucial battles of World War II, including the Battle of Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, the Allied invasion of Italy, and the Normandy invasion.

The Battle of Britain: A Fight for Survival

Hemingway served with №85 Squadron RAF during the Battle of Britain in 1940, piloting the legendary Hawker Hurricane. His squadron played a crucial role in defending the skies against the German Luftwaffe. In one of the most intense periods of combat, Hemingway and his fellow pilots downed 90 enemy aircraft within just 11 days in May 1940.

However, his wartime service was far from easy — he was shot down four times. Twice in August 1940 alone, he had to bail out, once over the Thames Estuary and again over…