Flight Lieutenant Archie McIness was 21 when he finished pilot training.
The next day, he was commissioned and went on to fly Hurricanes while fighting for control of the skies during the Second World War.
He was also on board HMS Victorious as part of the team hunting down the German battleship Bismarck. The veteran lost his arm after he was shot down during the North African campaign in 1941.
In 1946, he was released from the RAF as a flight lieutenant and he eventually retired to village life.
The Battle of Britain hero passed away hours after celebrating his 100th birthday on July 31.
His friend and biographer Johnny Cracknell wrote on Twitter: “It is with a heavy heart and incredible sadness to advise the tragic news that Battle of Britain hero Archie McInnes sadly passed away last night, just hours after celebrating his 100th birthday amongst friends and family.
“An inspiration and hero of a man – rest in peace dear Archie.”
Cracknell had earlier wished him a happy birthday, noting that the veteran was the ‘last of the six remaining Battle of Britain ‘Few’ to become a centenarian.’
Those who fought in the Battle of Britain became known as The Few after a speech by prime minister Winston Churchill, who said about that their sacrifice in battle: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
Just last year, Flt. Lt. McInnes was photographed smiling as he was taken for a flight in a two-seater Spitfire operated and owned by Peter Monk.
Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston CBE said: “Flight Lieutenant Archie McInnes was part of an extraordinary band of selfless aviators to whom we owe the freedom we enjoy today.
“The bravery and sacrifice of Archie and The Few should never be forgotten – lest we forget.
“Our thoughts are with Archie’s family and beloved friends at this sad time.”
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