Sad, but inevitable:
LONDON — Paul Farnes, one of the last remaining Battle of Britain fighter pilots who helped protect the U.K. during World War II, has died. He was 101.
Farnes, who was a wing commander during the war, died at his home Tuesday, the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust said late Wednesday.
He had been the last surviving pilot who had been officially designated an “ace” because of the number of enemy aircraft he downed.
He was one of roughly 3,000 airmen who fought the German Luftwaffe in the skies above southern England in 1940 when Britain was vulnerable to invasion by Nazi forces.
The group was honored by wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill who said “never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
Farnes was also the last remaining member of the group who was healthy enough to attend a memorial day event last year.
Farnes was “very proud” of his Distinguished Flying Medal, the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust said. He was responsible for the destruction of six enemy planes, the damage of six others, and the probable destruction of another.
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Look at the photo. It is the face of a fighter pilot. Arrogant, brash and handsome. Age twenty something, against great odds he defended his island, his country. He had the right stuff. Thank you, Wing Commander Farnes. RIP.
“Arrogant, brash and handsome” No. Farnes was brave and courageous and with a brain and a heart big enough to fight for his country and the truth. May he rest in the Heart of Jesus Christ.
Mary, lighten up. That was from one military combat pilot to another, though not in his league. Respect, only.
I popped in to grin and comment that the guy looked like a Brit flyboy.
Fair winds and following seas, sir.