105-year-old pilot, last survivor of the Battle of Britain, has died.
105-year-old John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last pilot to have participated in the Battle of Britain, has died.
Hemingway served in the Royal Air Forces (RAF) during World War II and was one of the pilots who defended Great Britain from the Luftwaffe.
During his service, he survived four shootdowns, two emergency landings, and two ejections in one week.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed condolences to the Hemingway family and highlighted his courage and dedication that contributed to the end of World War II.
Despite his heroism, Hemingway always considered himself just a lucky Irishman, emphasizing that the real heroes are his comrades who died in the fight.
After the war, Hemingway continued to serve in the RAF and retired in 1974 with the rank of group captain. His death symbolizes the end of an era of heroic defenders of freedom during World War II.
He dreamed of reaching 106 years to see the Hawker Hurricane fighter in the air again, as restoration is set to be completed next year.
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