The last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain has died peacefully on on March 17 at the age of 105.
Giving a heartfelt tribute to the war-time hero, defence secretary John Healey said: "I am deeply saddened to learned of the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway DFC.
"Paddy came from a generation who understood the importance of freedom and sacrificed so much to achieve it. The last known Battle of Britain Pilot, he embodied the deep courage of that incredible generation.
"On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones."
RAF
Hemingway's son, Brian, told the Daily Mail that his father was "happy" and "in fighting form" in his final years at the Dublin care home.
"He never felt that there was anything special about him," Brian said.
"He thought the special ones were the friends who never returned. And now he is back with his squadron. It is very sad but his is a life to be both celebrated and mourned."
Group Captain John Hemingway DFC retired from the Royal Air Force 30 years ago and had served throughout the entirety of the Second World War fighting against the Nazis.
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"Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force."
When he was a teenager, he travelled from Dublin to join the RAF and, once World War Two broke out, he was assigned to "No. 85 Squadron in France, where he is recorded as destroying two enemy aircraft during the Battle for France, as well as flying supporting missions during the Battle of Dunkirk".
He retired from the RAF in 1969 as a Group Captain.
In a statement, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knight, Chief of the Air Staff said: "His passing should make us reflect not only on his sacrifices, but the sacrifices of all those who served and fought in the air, on the ground and on the seas during this period, as well as those workers producing vital equipment for the military and those families at home.
Hemingway retired from the RAF in 1969 as a Group Captain
RAF
"This was a generation who understood the importance of service and comradeship," he added.
"A generation who believed that with hard work, clarity of purpose and a determination to succeed, they would not lose.
"Their efforts and the efforts of all our personnel past and present are the bedrock on which the Royal Air Force maintains the security of the UK at home and abroad.
"Their sense of duty and willingness to put others before themselves should inspire those who will build the next generation Air Force," he said.
