The Royal Air Forces Association is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of RAF veteran Group Captain John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC, at the age of 105.
Gp Capt Hemingway was born in Dublin in 1919. He joined the RAF during the Second World War at just 19-years old and was assigned to 85 Squadron in France.
He saw active service as a fighter pilot in several major operations during the war, including the Battle of Dunkirk and the Allied Invasions of Italy and Normandy.
John was the last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain.
The Battle of Britain was a pivotal moment in the Second World War. It was the first major battle fought entirely in the air and involved 2,945 RAF aircrew who defended the UK from the Luftwaffe
John was credited with destroying a Heinkel He 111 bomber and a Dornier Do 17. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1941 for his bravery after being shot down four times during the war.
He continued to serve in the RAF after the Second World War, when he was first posted to the Middle East. In 1946 he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant, followed by a promotion to Squadron Leader in 1948. He was promoted to Wing Commander in 1954.
John later served as Station Commander of RAF Leconfield. He retired from the RAF as a Group Captain in September 1969.
John was married to Bridget until her death in 1998 – they had three children together. After living in Canada for several years, John returned to his native Dublin in 2011, where he resided in a nursing home.
For his 103rd birthday in 2022, John was the guest of honour at the Irish Air Corps’ centenary year Veterans Day at Casement Aerodrome in County Dublin.
We join the nation, and in particular the RAF community, in mourning a decorated veteran of the Second World War.
The pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain embodied the courage and strength of character of our Second World War generation and are an inspiration to us all.
We are immensely grateful for Gp Capt Hemingway’s service to our country. Our sincerest condolences are with his family at this sad time.
We will remember them.
Group Captain John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC.
Group Captain John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC sat in front of an aircraft.
Group Captain John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC.
