‘Wartime gave us a skill that we wanted to offer to God’
As Remembrance Day approaches, 102-year-old veteran, Jack Hemmings, celebrates the start of a Christian humanitarian air service formed in the aftermath of the second world war
“I was 19 years old when I volunteered for aircrew,” smiles Jack Hemmings, from the pilot hub at Eastbourne airshow. He’s sitting among aviators, who are fascinated by his stories. “I thought: ‘If I am going to fight in a war, I may as well do it sitting down!’”
Reaching 102 is a rare and impressive achievement. Having the faith to fly a wooden Miles Gemini aircraft from Croydon to Nairobi with only a map, compass and a thermos flask in 1948, is even more so.
Related articles
-
OpinionFaith in God is good news for employers. Here’s why
A new survey from the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life reveals that far from being a negative thing, having a religious faith means you’re more likely to work hard, trust your colleagues and be satisfied in your job. It’s something to celebrate, says Mark Greene
-
OpinionAs we remember the dead this weekend, let’s honour the peace they gave us
With pro-Palestinian demonstrations planned in the capital this Armistice Day, George Pitcher says it’s easy to call for peace when the conflict is thousands of miles away - much harder when your family is under constant threat from terrorists. Nevertheless, he says, peaceful protests should be welcomed, but antisemitism cannot
-
News AnalysisWas Michael Jackson a Christian?
Following recent reports that Michael Jackson accepted Christ just days before his death, AJ Gomez investigates the King of Pop’s faith journey
More from Real Life
-
Real Life‘Healing from trauma has been a long journey. Now I’ve written a book to help others’
Tracey-Jane Campbell was a successful music artist. But behind closed doors, she was struggling to come to terms with childhood trauma and abuse. Now, she wants to help others
-
Real Life‘More men are finding Jesus - my church is full of them!’
A small chapel in the Welsh Valleys has experienced significant growth in recent years, with much of it driven by young men coming to faith. Pastor John Funnell of Noddfa Church shares the story
-
Real Life‘God called me to improve the mental health of a million people’
After becoming disillusioned with his military career, Will Petty reached rock bottom, grappling with depression and alcoholism. He explains how God led him to a greater purpose and a new vocation – to forge a path for others to find their healing
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2025 Premier Christianity
Site powered by Webvision Cloud