Last of WW2 Spitfire pilots dies (?)

[Busaholic]

On a lamentable day which may go down in history as heralding the start of World War 3, time perhaps to reflect on the death of Dr Edmund Percival James in Cornwall earlier this month. His Death Notice in local newspapers included the sentence ''Retired Medical Practitioner and last known Spitfire pilot of the 2nd world war''. He was approaching his 100th birthday, and had been in the news locally a couple of years ago when a heartless individual raided his home and stole a photo of a Spitfire which had been signed by his fellow pilots, including some who had died during the course of their duties. He was too late becoming a pilot to take part in the Battle of Britain, but was involved in D-Day action. His forenames mirror those of Hillary, the first man to conquer Everest, but as they were born within a few years of each other it must just be a strange coincidence! His funeral took place in Truro yesterday.

 

[Gloster]

Well, I believe that John Hemingway, the last Battle of Britain pilot, is still alive in a care home in Dublin. Although he flew Hurricanes in the Battle, I think he flew Spitfires later on. There could still be other pilots of ninety-six and above who flew Spitfires.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Well, I believe that John Hemingway, the last Battle of Britain pilot, is still alive in a care home in Dublin. Although he flew Hurricanes in the Battle, I think he flew Spitfires later on.

I concur. Believe John Hemingway is now the last verified surviving airman from the Battle of Britain, and having been born in July 1919, and still alive, that now makes him some 102 years old. And whilst he flew Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, he did subsequently fly Spitfires, and got shot down over Italy whilst flying one, in 1944.

 

[Busaholic]

I concur. Believe John Hemingway is now the last verified surviving airman from the Battle of Britain, and having been born in July 1919, and still alive, that now makes him some 102 years old. And whilst he flew Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, he did subsequently fly Spitfires, and got shot down over Italy whilst flying one, in 1944.

I wasn't sure if John Hemingway was still alive, and didn't know he flew Spitfires as well,.An obscure site I've just visited quotes someone from 'a year ago' saying there was one remaining Australian Spitfire pilot whom he still visited, but as no name is given I'm unable to verify this.