George Leonard 'Johnny' Johnson was the last surviving original member of the famous 'Dambusters' raid of 1943. He died peacefully at his care home in Westbury on Trym, Bristol, surrounded by his family. Mr Johnson was aged just 22 when, as part of the RAF's 617 Squadron, he took part in the raid. It was Mr Johnson's job to target the Sorpe Dam in the raid, and he demanded nine dummy runs to ensure he hit his target. With the Sorpe dam, it was decided because of the way it had been built that that it needed to be targeted directly, rather than with bouncing bombs. Johnson's team were given no time to practice but he still had to hit the dam's wall. Much to his crew's annoyance, he therefore insisted that that they fly over the dam nine times before dropping the bomb on the tenth. The team did hit the dam, but it wasn't breached. However, the water released by the two breached dams damaged 92 Nazi factories and destroyed a further 12. Overall, 133 Allied aircrew took part - 90 from the RAF, 29 from the Royal Canadian Air Force, 12 from the Royal Australian Air Force and two from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. A total of 53 servicemen lost their lives and another three were taken captive. The squadron's bravery earned it 33 decorations, including the Victoria Cross for Wing Commander Gibson. RIP
Vale George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, like my father and all those who flew with Bomber Command, we salute you. There is nothing glorious about war with the exception of those who served us so valiantly.
RIP Jet, this has been another bad year. Alot of the people that have passed this year have hit home hard.
one of my favorite bands.Lucky to see them when they were doing gigs in pubs in W London until they became too popular. Rest in Peace Jet
I started off my working life in London in 1977, sharing a flat with four girls in Egerton Gardens, Knightbridge, had my own room, cost £4pw. We had JJ Burnel and one other of the group, which I think was Black, living in the flat above us. When Hugh Cornwell visited, you'd know it was him on the concrete stairs ahead of you because he left globules of spit in his wake! Great group. RIP Jet please log in to view this image
