The last surviving Battle of Britain pilot dies aged 105

The last surviving Battle of Britain pilot John 'Paddy' Hemingway has died aged 105.

The Royal Air Force said he died peacefully on Monday.

Paddy Hemingway, one of 'the Few' and a revered figure in British aviation history, played a key role in defending the United Kingdom against the Nazis in the summer of 1940.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last known Battle of Britain pilot.

"His courage, and that of all RAF pilots, helped end WWII and secure our freedom. We will never forget their bravery and service.

"Thank you, John 'Paddy' Hemingway."

Defence Secretary John Healey said Hemingway's generation "understood the importance of freedom and sacrificed so much to achieve it".

The pilot's squadron shot down 90 enemy aircraft during an 11-day period in May 1940, the RAF said.

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