Tributes Flood In for Last Battle of Britain Pilot John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, 105
John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, the last of the brave pilots who defended Britain during the 1940 Battle of Britain, has passed away at 105. As a key figure in what Winston Churchill heralded as our ‘finest hour’, Hemingway survived multiple brushes with death throughout World War II, emerging largely unscathed. He was shot down four times and famously evaded capture in 1945, showcasing his extraordinary luck and courage. His passing marks a poignant moment in history, reminding us of the sacrifices made by the 2,927 airmen who fought for freedom. A memorial service will honor Hemingway’s legacy, alongside a life-size statue to commemorate his contributions to aviation history at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum. His humility delved deep, as he believed himself ‘just doing the job’—words that resonate even 83 years later.