Prince William's 'sadness' over John 'Paddy' Hemingway death as royal pays tribute
"We shall never forget," the Prince of Wales saidPrince William has issued an emotional statement following the death of a World War II veteran John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway.
Prince William posted the touching tribute on social media earlier today (Tuesday, March 18).
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC – Last of ‘The Few’. We reflect not only on his sacrifices, but the sacrifices of all those who served & fought in WWII.
Paddy, thank you for your service.
Per Ardua ad Astrahttps://t.co/ijgtRpgFTm pic.twitter.com/0zebzgmf65
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) March 17, 2025
Last surviving Battle of Britain pilot dies
On Monday (March 17), it was sadly announced that John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, has died.
He was 105 years old.
Hemingway, who was originally from Dublin, joined the RAF as a teenager before World War II.
At the age of just 21, he was a fighter pilot during the Battle of Britain, a three-month period where the air force defended the skies against a large-scale assault by the German air force, the Luftwaffe.
Those who fought in the three-month battle became known as ‘The Few’ after a speech by Winston Churchill.
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few,” he said at the time.
During the war, Hemingway was shot down four times. In 1941, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross – which is awarded to RAF personnel for an act, or acts of valour, bravery, or devotion to duty while flying on active operations.
Prince William pays tribute to John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway
In a statement on their website, the RAF said that Hemingway had “passed away peacefully” yesterday.
“Paddy always had a twinkle in his eyes as he recalled the fun times with colleagues in France and London. This quiet, composed, thoughtful, and mischievous individual may not have wanted to be the last of ‘The Few’, but he embodied the spirit of all those who flew sorties over this green and pleasant land,” their statement read.
“His passing marks the end of an era and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom during World War II.”
His passing marks the end of an era.
Prince William also released a statement, expressing his sadness over the news.
“I was sad to hear about the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway this morning, the last of ‘The Few’,” he wrote.
“We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today,” he then continued. “Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered.
“We shall never forget them. W,” he then added.
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