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.