The last surviving Dambuster Squad Leader George Leonard “Johnny” Johnson, has died aged 101.
The RAF veteran was the last surviving original member of the RAF 617 Squadron’s famous “Dambusters” raid of 1943 which was immortalised in the 1955 film starring Sir Richard Attenborough.
The famous bombing of the Rhur dams had been made possible thanks to the design of a 'bouncing bomb' which was first used on the Nant-y-Gro Dam in the Elan Valley as part of the secret preparations.
George "Johnny" Johnson.
In July 1942 the prototype charge was proof-tested at a small dam in the Elan Valley, where 280lbs of high-explosive destroyed the central portion of the masonry dam.
The experiment was a complete success and ensured the British had the confidence to launch Operation Chastise, which was tasked with attacking German dams during the Second World War.
The remains of the Nant y Gro dam that was built to supply water to the workforce during construction of the main dams in the 1890's and was destroyed on the 24th of July 1942 during a demolition experiment by the military. Picture: Geograph.
The evocative and sobering remains of the bombed dam may still be seen today.
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On May 16, 1943 19 Lancaster bombers took off from a runway in Lincolnshire in eastern England, each carrying a purpose built weapon – the bouncing bomb – and dropped them in Nazi Germany’s industrial heartland.
The remains of Nant y Gro Dam. Picture: Geograph.
Due to various losses and technical issues en route to the target, AJ-T was the first Lancaster to reach the Sorpe Dam which had only been navigable by flying low across the nearby town of Langscheid, with its prominent church steeple, followed by the aircraft having to drop even lower so the bomb could be released.
It was not until the tenth attempt that the crew were satisfied, with Johnson finally releasing the bomb but remarkably the dam sustained only minimal damage.
617 Squadron (Dambusters) at Scampton, Lincolnshire, 22 July 1943.
For his part in the raid, Johnson received the Distinguished Flying Medal.
Following his career in the RAF, Johnson became a teacher. He initially taught in primary schools, subsequently becoming involved in adult education before he undertook a period in teaching psychiatric patients at Rampton Hospital.
Johnson died peacefully at his care home in Westbury on Trym in Bristol on Wednesday night, surrounded by his family.
Eder Dam after the Dambusters attack.
Sharing the news of his passing, his granddaughter, Jenny Sextone, said his family were with him and added "We would appreciate your respect for our privacy in this family time".
After serving in World War Two, Johnson went on to work as a teacher in Newark in Nottinghamshire.
In January 2019, Johnson became the last survivor of the original flying members of 617 Squadron following the death of his wartime colleague Fred Sutherland.
In 2017, Johnson was made an MBE after his long-running campaign which was supported by celebrities.
Just a few weeks ago on November 25, 2022, Johnson celebrated his 101st birthday.
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