The Royal Air Force announced in social media, the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC, the last of the pilots that participated in the Battle of Britain.
Per Ardua ad Astra, Paddy!
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This photo, which I believe has Hemmingway on the left, is one I remember seeing in a book as a child.
This version of the photo from here: Last of the Few – Cambridge Bomber and Fighter Society
Not to go too far off topic, but maybe if more of the voices we’ve lost to old age were around we wouldn’t be where we are now.
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That generation survived those circumstances, securing for their offspring a way of life; provided a future they could barely imagine. However, in doing so failed to pass on the characteristics that allowed them to survive hardship - my grandfather, WWII pilot. I don’t recall his exact words. This is my interpretation. He was amazed how easy I had it, too, in the 1960-1970’s.
Each generation gets smarter [gains more knowledge] yet grows weaker - mother of a co-worker of mine circa 1985, from Louisiana, USA. She made the best red beans & rice! Her great grand parents were slaves. That influence may be why he went on to success. Her words stuck with me.
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As quoted by another famous brit **“Never was so much owed by so many to so few”
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