John A. Hemingway: The Last of the Few Passes at 105

Hemingway, celebrated for his bravery, played a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain as he took to the skies to defend against Nazi Germany's invasion plans. His legacy as an RAF hero will endure in history.

John A. Hemingway, who passed away in Dublin at the remarkable age of 105, has been remembered as the last known survivor of the legendary "few," a group of Royal Air Force pilots who valiantly defended Britain during the critical Battle of Britain in World War II. Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously praised these pilots in August 1940, stating, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

Hemingway—affectionately known as Paddy—was a skilled pilot of Hurricane fighters and fought in the skies above Britain from July to October 1940. During this intense period, he played a crucial role in thwarting a planned Nazi invasion, known as Operation Sea Lion, which Hitler sought to execute that September. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Royal Air Force managed to repel the German Luftwaffe, which had over 2,550 aircraft compared to the RAF's 749.

His actions during this battle not only delayed the invasion but also saved countless lives in Britain. The Luftwaffe's bombing campaign—termed the Blitz—continued to terrorize British cities well into 1941.

Over the course of the war, Hemingway flew numerous missions over France, Britain, and Italy, facing countless dangers that included being shot down four times between 1940 and 1945. His courageous exploits earned him Britain's Distinguished Flying Cross in July 1941 for effectively engaging and damaging enemy aircraft.

The legacy of John A. Hemingway shines as a symbol of bravery and resilience, encapsulating the spirit of the “few” who stood against tyranny during one of history’s darkest hours. As a testament to their sacrifice, their stories will forever be etched into the annals of military history.