By Cate McCurry
A portrait of the last Battle of Britain pilot, John 鈥淧addy鈥 Hemingway, will be handed over at the National Museum of Ireland on Thursday.
Group Captain Hemingway, originally from Dublin, was the final surviving member of 鈥淭he Few鈥, who took to the skies in 1940 to defend the UK against Luftwaffe attacks in what became a pivotal moment of the Second World War.
He died in March this year, at the age of 105.
His portrait will find a permanent home at the Irish National Gallery.
The portrait, unveiled by Mr Hemingway at the British Embassy in Dublin last year marking his 105th birthday, was painted by Welsh artist Dan Llywelyn Hall, 44.
He was the last living pilot from the Battle of Britain and would have been 106 on July 17.
Mr Llywelyn Hall is known for numerous portraits, such as the Queen, Shane MacGowan, Amy Winehouse and other public figures.
Mr Llywelyn Hall said: 鈥淚 am pleased for the portrait of the Last of the Few, John Hemingway, to be a legacy for the public in John鈥檚 native Ireland.
鈥淚t鈥檚 especially meaningful this portrait will live in Dublin as it was John鈥檚 home and held in great affection.
鈥淭his portrait serves as both a record of remarkable life and a testament to the rich personality beyond the uniform.鈥
Brenda Malone, curator of Irish Military History, said: 鈥淲e are delighted to accept this generous gift from Dan, and are particularly happy to record John Hemingway鈥檚 story, through his portrait, with us.
鈥淭he National Museum collects and preserves the history of Irishmen and women鈥檚 experience of military service around the world, especially in times of conflict.
鈥淛ohn鈥檚 story stands as a representation for the many Irish people who served in the Royal Air Force during WWII.
鈥淗is portrait and history will form a valuable part of our collections which we hold in trust for the Irish people.鈥