the last of The Few - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to John ”Paddy” Hemingway, the last of the Few, who has died at the age of 105.
Group Captain Hemingway was the last surviving pilot to have fought in the Battle of Britain.
He died in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day 2025.
During his wartime service, he was shot down four times and narrowly evaded capture towards the end of World War Two when he escaped the Nazis with the help of an Italian child.
As Group Captain Hemingway’s death was announced, Prince William said ”we owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them.”
Paddy Hemingway was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during his service. He was just 21 when he took to the skies to defend Britain from the Nazi onslaught.
Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to the last of ”The Few”, saying ”He never considered himself a hero and often referred to himself as the ‘Lucky Irishman’, a man simply doing his job, like so many others of his generation…their sense of duty and service secured our freedom, and we shall never forget them.”
Group Captain John Paddy Hemingway, July 17 1919 – March 17 2025.