"A Battle of Britain hero died hours after celebrating his 100th birthday, leaving just five surviving members of 'The Few' who fought in the aerial conflict, his biographer revealed. Flight Lieutenant Archie McInnes finished his pilot training aged 21, was commissioned the next day and went on to fly Hurricanes while fighting for control of the skies over southern England in the Second World War. The World War Two veteran was also on board HMS Victorious as part of the team hunting the German battleship Bismarck, and lost his left arm when he was shot down by a Messerschmitt during the North African campaign in October 1941. He died hours after celebrating his 100th birthday on Wednesday, July 31. His biographer and friend Jonny 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.' He had earlier written to wish the veteran a happy birthday, noting that he was the 'last of the six remaining Battle of Britain ''Few'' to become a centenarian'. Flight Lieutenant McInnes was born on July 31 1919 and joined the RAF volunteer reserve in 1938, the year before the war broke out. He completed his pilot training in August 1940 and was commissioned the next day. He flew Hurricanes with 601 Squadron in Exeter, later moving to 238 Squadron at Chilbolton, Hampshire, on October 8 1940." www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7313853/Hero-Battle-Britain-pilot-dies-aged-100.html