Macclesfield's MP has paid tribute to the last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain.

Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemmingway passed away on Monday, March 17, at the age of 105.

One of 'The Few', Paddy played a crucial role in defending the country in the summer of 1940.

Tim Roca, the Labour MP for Macclesfield, is among those to have paid tribute and reflect on the courage shown by Paddy and his comrades.

"Sad to hear about the passing of Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot," said Mr Roca.

"His courage, along with that of all the RAF pilots, was crucial in defending Britain from invasion, protecting our freedom and defeating fascism.

"We'll never forget their bravery and service.

"Thank you, John 'Paddy' Hemingway."

Paddy joined the RAF in his youth, being assigned to the No. 85 Squadron following the outbreak of WW2 (Credit: RAF)

Paddy travelled from Ireland to join the RAF as a teenager, being assigned to the No. 85 Squadron following the outbreak of World War II.

In 1940, he destroyed two enemy aircraft during the Battle for France, supported missions during the Battle of Dunkirk and then became part of the front-line response to the daily attacks from Nazi aircraft, which would later come to be known as the Battle of Britian.

During this period, he was twice forced to bail out of his Hurricane, landing in the sea off the coast of Essex and in marshland on the other occasion.

The follow year, in a Havoc night fighter, Paddy had to bail out at 600 feet due to instrument failure in bad weather.

Then, in April 1945, whilst serving in the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces with 324 Wing, he was forced to bail out a fourth time when his Spitfire was hit multiple times while attacking enemy forces near Ravenna.

Paddy eventually retired from the Royal Air Force in 1969 as a Group Captain.

Paddy passed away on Monday, age 105 (Credit: RAF)

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said: "Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force.

"Throughout his life he inspired those he knew and served with.

"My thoughts are with his family and all those who cared for him over the past few years."

He added: "This was a generation who understood the importance of service and comradeship. 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 & 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."