Tributes are flowing for Sir Patrick Duffy, the United Kingdom's longest-living former Member of Parliament, who has died at the remarkable age of 105. The former Labour defence minister passed away on January 2 following a short illness, leaving behind a legacy that touched upon some of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century.
A Life of Service and Survival
Sir Patrick's life was one of extraordinary service and resilience. During the Second World War, he served in the Fleet Air Arm and survived a harrowing plane crash in the Orkney Islands. Family friend Kevin Meagher recounted the chilling details: Sir Patrick lay in the fuselage of his aircraft for 24 hours on a Scottish mountainside, literally freezing to death, until he was discovered. A priest administered the last rites as his survival seemed impossible.
Mr Meagher added a stark detail from the rescue: "When they found him the medics couldn't inject him with morphine because his arm had literally frozen – they had to stab the needle into his arm to be able to get the morphine in." This brush with death exemplified the stoicism that characterised his long life.
A Distinguished Political Career
Sir Patrick's political journey began with his first parliamentary campaign in 1950. He was successfully elected as an MP for the first time in 1963, winning the Colne Valley by-election. He later represented the Sheffield Attercliffe constituency from 1970 until his retirement in 1992.
His ministerial service came in the late 1970s when he served as parliamentary under-secretary for the Royal Navy under Prime Minister James Callaghan's Labour government. His career was marked by principle; in 1981, he famously and singularly "berated" Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the Commons over the death of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands, an act for which he "took a lot of flack." Despite this, the two later shared cordial meetings over tea, particularly during his tenure as president of the NATO Assembly in the 1980s.
Honours and a Century of Memories
Sir Patrick's contributions were recognised with high honours. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and also received a papal knighthood from Pope John Paul II. Described by Kevin Meagher as "a living historical jukebox," Sir Patrick possessed an unparalleled memory, able to recount vivid details of meetings with figures like former Prime Minister Clement Attlee from a century ago.
Mr Meagher, who helped write Sir Patrick's second book published when he was 103, issued a statement approved by the family. It read: "An extraordinary man with a lifetime of accomplishments, Patrick leaves behind him family and friends – across all age groups – who will miss his kindness, humour and incredible acuity... Patrick’s was a life well-lived, brimming with achievement, the admiration of colleagues and the love and affection of his many family and friends. He will be greatly missed."
The passing of Sir Patrick Duffy marks the end of an era, closing the chapter on a life that encapsulated the trials, transformations, and triumphs of modern British history.
