Veteran and surfing icon mourn as two legends pass away
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Among the brave souls who took to the air in defence of their homeland was a pilot whose name became synonymous with the valour of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
The world now bids farewell to this last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, who passed away peacefully at an advanced age.
Meanwhile, the Australian surfing community mourns the loss of a legendary figure who passed away in his sleep shortly after an accident at his home in Tweed Heads.
John Hemingway's story is one of extraordinary courage and dedication.
As a member of "the Few," a term coined by Winston Churchill to describe the RAF pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain, Hemingway played a pivotal role.
He helped thwart the Luftwaffe's relentless air raids following the fall of France.
His squadron was a force to be reckoned with, shooting down an impressive 90 enemy aircraft over 11 days in May 1940.
The significance of Hemingway's contributions cannot be overstated.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid homage to the late pilot and expressed sorrow over the loss of a man whose bravery helped end the global conflict.
‘I am saddened to hear of the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC, the last known pilot of the Battle of Britain,’ he announced.
‘Eighty years ago, the courage and determination of Paddy and all our brave RAF pilots helped bring an end to the Second World War,’
‘They fearlessly flew over enemy territory to protect the UK and its allies, risking their lives.’
Hemingway, often called the 'lucky Irishman,' humbly saw himself as just another individual doing his duty, much like his peers.
Despite the dangers he faced, he fondly recalled the camaraderie and cherished moments with fellow airmen, many of whom never made it back.
Prince William took to social media to acknowledge the debt owed to Hemingway and his generation.
Their sacrifices secured the freedoms we enjoy today, and their legacy of bravery and sacrifice will forever be etched in history.
After a distinguished career, Group Captain Hemingway DFC retired from the RAF in 1974, leaving behind a legacy that continued to inspire long after his service ended.
Defence Secretary John Healey remarked on how Hemingway's generation understood the true value of freedom and gave so much to protect it.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton lauded Hemingway as an 'amazing character' whose life story encapsulates the enduring spirit of the RAF.
The passing of John Hemingway marks the end of an era.
He was the last of the Few following Terry Clark's death in May 2020 at 101.
Clark, a Bristol Beaufighters radar operator, also left a legacy of heroism and service.
As we reflect on the life of John 'Paddy' Hemingway, we are reminded of the resilience and fortitude of a generation that stood firm against tyranny.
Their stories of valour are not just tales of the past but beacons of inspiration for future generations.
We salute Hemingway and his comrades for their indomitable spirit.
While they may be gone, their legacy will continue to soar high above the clouds, a testament to the enduring power of courage and sacrifice.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, born in Manly, Shane Herring's name became synonymous with Australian surfing excellence in the 1990s.
He was often referred to as Australia's answer to the American surfing great Kelly Slater, a testament to his skill and the high regard in which he was held.
Herring's rise to fame was meteoric, and his crowning achievement came in 1992 when he triumphed over Slater in the final of the Coke Classic Pro at North Narrabeen, just 25km north of Sydney.
This victory was more than just a win; it propelled him to the number-one spot in the world rankings.
However, this pinnacle of success proved to be a solitary victory for Herring on the tour.
While Slater continued to dominate the sport for the next two decades, Shane Herring's career on the tour was cut short, lasting only two more years as he battled with addiction.
In a candid 2012 interview with the Encyclopedia of Surfing, Herring opened up about his struggles, revealing the extent to which substance abuse had consumed his life and earnings.
'A lot of it went up my nose. Started out as coke, but eventually ended up as lower-class drugs. Amphetamines… You don’t even know it when it’s happening,' he confessed.
His battle with depression and the subsequent psychiatric medication was a long and arduous journey, one that he warned others to avoid by staying clear of drugs.
Despite his struggles, Shane Herring was much loved and respected in the surfing community, and tributes have been pouring in from all corners.
Kelly Slater penned a heartfelt post reflecting on Herring's unique blend of old-school power and new-school speed, which defined surfing in the 1990s.
Slater reminisced about the years they spent travelling and surfing together, acknowledging Herring's kindness and talent and the demons that curtailed his time of greatness.
'He loved the purity in surfing and was uncomfortable with the limelight and notoriety and scrutiny it brought him,' Slater wrote, expressing his sorrow at losing a friend he had hoped to reconnect with after more than two decades.
Close friend Justin Crawford shared photos and a touching tribute, calling Herring a true gentleman and a cherished friend.
Surfing World magazine also paid homage, noting that despite his long struggles, Herring had been off alcohol in recent years.
They remembered him as a talent like few others in Australian surfing, someone who 'burned brief but bright' before his flame went out too soon.
In his later years, Shane Herring lived a quieter life on the North Coast, occasionally returning to the water to recapture the magic of his surfing heyday and continuing to shape surfboards until the end.
His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many and serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact one individual can have on a sport and its community.
As we reflect on Shane Herring's life and legacy, we are reminded of the importance of supporting those around us who may be struggling with their own battles.
His story is a powerful narrative of triumph, tragedy, and the relentless pursuit of passion, which will continue to inspire future surfers.
Credit: YouTube
Rest in peace, John 'Paddy' Hemingway and Shane Herring.
Two lives, two legacies—one in the skies, the other in the waves.
Their impact will not be forgotten.
The world now bids farewell to this last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, who passed away peacefully at an advanced age.
Meanwhile, the Australian surfing community mourns the loss of a legendary figure who passed away in his sleep shortly after an accident at his home in Tweed Heads.
John Hemingway's story is one of extraordinary courage and dedication.
As a member of "the Few," a term coined by Winston Churchill to describe the RAF pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain, Hemingway played a pivotal role.
He helped thwart the Luftwaffe's relentless air raids following the fall of France.
John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, has been laid to rest at 105. Credit: Instagram
His squadron was a force to be reckoned with, shooting down an impressive 90 enemy aircraft over 11 days in May 1940.
The significance of Hemingway's contributions cannot be overstated.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid homage to the late pilot and expressed sorrow over the loss of a man whose bravery helped end the global conflict.
‘I am saddened to hear of the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC, the last known pilot of the Battle of Britain,’ he announced.
‘Eighty years ago, the courage and determination of Paddy and all our brave RAF pilots helped bring an end to the Second World War,’
‘They fearlessly flew over enemy territory to protect the UK and its allies, risking their lives.’
Hemingway, often called the 'lucky Irishman,' humbly saw himself as just another individual doing his duty, much like his peers.
Despite the dangers he faced, he fondly recalled the camaraderie and cherished moments with fellow airmen, many of whom never made it back.
Prince William took to social media to acknowledge the debt owed to Hemingway and his generation.
Their sacrifices secured the freedoms we enjoy today, and their legacy of bravery and sacrifice will forever be etched in history.
After a distinguished career, Group Captain Hemingway DFC retired from the RAF in 1974, leaving behind a legacy that continued to inspire long after his service ended.
Defence Secretary John Healey remarked on how Hemingway's generation understood the true value of freedom and gave so much to protect it.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton lauded Hemingway as an 'amazing character' whose life story encapsulates the enduring spirit of the RAF.
The passing of John Hemingway marks the end of an era.
He was the last of the Few following Terry Clark's death in May 2020 at 101.
Clark, a Bristol Beaufighters radar operator, also left a legacy of heroism and service.
As we reflect on the life of John 'Paddy' Hemingway, we are reminded of the resilience and fortitude of a generation that stood firm against tyranny.
Their stories of valour are not just tales of the past but beacons of inspiration for future generations.
We salute Hemingway and his comrades for their indomitable spirit.
While they may be gone, their legacy will continue to soar high above the clouds, a testament to the enduring power of courage and sacrifice.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, born in Manly, Shane Herring's name became synonymous with Australian surfing excellence in the 1990s.
He was often referred to as Australia's answer to the American surfing great Kelly Slater, a testament to his skill and the high regard in which he was held.
Herring's rise to fame was meteoric, and his crowning achievement came in 1992 when he triumphed over Slater in the final of the Coke Classic Pro at North Narrabeen, just 25km north of Sydney.
Australian surfing legend Shane Herring has been mourned after passing at age 53. Credit: Instagram
This victory was more than just a win; it propelled him to the number-one spot in the world rankings.
However, this pinnacle of success proved to be a solitary victory for Herring on the tour.
While Slater continued to dominate the sport for the next two decades, Shane Herring's career on the tour was cut short, lasting only two more years as he battled with addiction.
In a candid 2012 interview with the Encyclopedia of Surfing, Herring opened up about his struggles, revealing the extent to which substance abuse had consumed his life and earnings.
'A lot of it went up my nose. Started out as coke, but eventually ended up as lower-class drugs. Amphetamines… You don’t even know it when it’s happening,' he confessed.
His battle with depression and the subsequent psychiatric medication was a long and arduous journey, one that he warned others to avoid by staying clear of drugs.
Despite his struggles, Shane Herring was much loved and respected in the surfing community, and tributes have been pouring in from all corners.
Kelly Slater penned a heartfelt post reflecting on Herring's unique blend of old-school power and new-school speed, which defined surfing in the 1990s.
Slater reminisced about the years they spent travelling and surfing together, acknowledging Herring's kindness and talent and the demons that curtailed his time of greatness.
'He loved the purity in surfing and was uncomfortable with the limelight and notoriety and scrutiny it brought him,' Slater wrote, expressing his sorrow at losing a friend he had hoped to reconnect with after more than two decades.
Close friend Justin Crawford shared photos and a touching tribute, calling Herring a true gentleman and a cherished friend.
Surfing World magazine also paid homage, noting that despite his long struggles, Herring had been off alcohol in recent years.
They remembered him as a talent like few others in Australian surfing, someone who 'burned brief but bright' before his flame went out too soon.
In his later years, Shane Herring lived a quieter life on the North Coast, occasionally returning to the water to recapture the magic of his surfing heyday and continuing to shape surfboards until the end.
His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many and serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact one individual can have on a sport and its community.
As we reflect on Shane Herring's life and legacy, we are reminded of the importance of supporting those around us who may be struggling with their own battles.
His story is a powerful narrative of triumph, tragedy, and the relentless pursuit of passion, which will continue to inspire future surfers.
Credit: YouTube
Rest in peace, John 'Paddy' Hemingway and Shane Herring.
Two lives, two legacies—one in the skies, the other in the waves.
Their impact will not be forgotten.
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to both of these men who were both Legend's in their own right.
Vale Shane 
