A tribute to John “Paddy” Hemingway: the last of “The Few”

The RAF Benevolent Fund is saddened to hear that Battle of Britain veteran, Group Captain John “Paddy” Hemingway DFC, passed away on 17 March 2025 at the age of 105.

Paddy was the last surviving member of “The Few”, who took to the skies in the summer of 1940 to defend Great Britain against Nazi invaders.

Paddy was 19 years old when he joined the RAF in 1939, shortly before the onset of the Second World War. As a young pilot, he flew the iconic Spitfire, providing fighter cover during the Battle of France. His squadron shot down 90 enemy aircraft over 11 days in May 1940.

Paddy was shot down four times. In August 1940, amid intense dogfights, he was forced to bail out of his Hurricanes twice, landing once in the sea off the Essex coast and the other time in marshland.

In July 1941, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Paddy went on to serve as an air fighter controller during D-Day operations, and in 1945 he joined the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces with 324 Wing.

The Fund spoke to Paddy at his home in Ireland in 2020. Paddy, who was 101 at the time, said: "The sacrifice of my fellow pilots, ground crews and all who supported the effort during the Second World War should never be forgotten."

Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "Our heartfelt condolences go to Paddy’s family during this difficult time. Paddy’s courage and sacrifice were vital to securing victory during the Battle of Britain.  His passing signifies the end of an era, he was part of a generation of servicemen and women who answered their country’s call without hesitation.

"We owe an immense debt of gratitude to each one of them, and it is our duty to ensure their legacy is honoured.  We, at the Fund, pay tribute to their memory by upholding our commitment to support the RAF Family members who need us."