Group Captain John “Paddy” Hemingway often referred to himself as the “Lucky Irishman” and, despite his sacrifice, often told audiences about moments he shared with his peers
Group Captain John “Paddy” Hemingway – the last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain – died on Monday aged 105.
The militant played a crucial role in defending the United Kingdom against Nazi oppression during the summer of 1940. His courage in the face of overwhelming odds demonstrated his sense of duty and the importance of British resilience.
Paying tribute to John, Sir Keir Starmer said today: “Eighty years ago, the courage and determination of Paddy and all our brave RAF pilots helped bring an end to the Second World War. They fearlessly flew over enemy territory to protect the UK and its Allies, risking their lives.
“He never considered himself a hero and often referred to himself as the ‘Lucky Irishman’, a man simply doing his job, like so many others of his generation. Despite his sacrifice, he would tell stories of the joyous memories he made and moments he shared with his peers, many of whom never returned home. Their sense of duty and service secured our freedom, and we shall never forget them.”
In an interview with the Mirror in 2019, when he turned 100, John said he disliked being called a Second World War hero. Instead, he says it’s the luck of the Irish that saw him through the war.
John was shot down four times, but lived to tell the remarkable tale – from being plucked out of the North Sea by a rowing boat to strolling past Nazi troops disguised as an Italian farmer.
Speaking in 2019, who by then was a widower, John said: “I regard myself as an exceptionally lucky man. I have recently celebrated my 100th birthday, my health is good and I survived being shot down four times – twice in two weeks during the Battle of Britain – with just minor injuries. I lived through extraordinary times but I don’t see myself as exceptional in any way. I’m alive because of luck.”
The Royal Air Force is saddened to hear of the death of John, who was a father of three. Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said: “It is with great sadness that I heard of the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway 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 II, 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. “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.”