The last surviving Dambuster has died at the age of 101. 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
RIP George A rare breed. Wow. It won't be too much longer and I'm going to feel completely out of touch with the current world. Am I ok to start saying "....in the good old days"?
Wynne Edwards, ex Neath Grammar, ex Neath College lecturer, former team mate of mine passed suddenly yesterday morning aged. 65 ….. Devastated RIP
Thanks Glam I remember Wynne starting in the Grammar - a new boy in the year above me. His parents kept The Three Cranes at that time
