The man widely thought to be the 'last of the Few', Group Captain John Hemingway DFC, AE, has lent his support for Moffat's unique tribute to Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding.
Gp Capt Hemingway, now 105 and living in a care home in Dublin, has paid his own tribute to Lord Dowding, the focus of the project to move Spitfire PT 462 to a new location outside Dowding House, once St Ninian's Preparatory School and the great man's childhood home.
“Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding’s dedication to his aircrew and his skills as a leader were crucial to the RAF’s victory in the Battle of Britain. He cared deeply for our welfare and worked tirelessly to improve our chances of survival.
“While he led the way on technical issues such as through his belief in, and support for, radio direction finding (early radar), he delegated authority readily and seldom interfered with subordinates he trusted.
“I believe the freedom Dowding gave to his commanders and the high morale he inspired in his pilots played a huge part in our victory in the Battle of Britain. This tribute is well deserved.”
Group Captain John Hemingway DFC
No 85 Squadron
Group Captain John Hemingway DFC, aged 104, with logbook and medals