The last surviving Dambuster George "Johnny" Johnson has died at the age of 101

He died in a Bristol Care home surrounded by his family

Author: Andy Marsh Published 8th Dec 2022
Last updated 8th Dec 2022

The last surviving Dambuster George "Johnny" Johnson has died at the age of 101.

"Johnny" Johnson was a well known and hugely respected figure loved for his bravery and fascinating stories about his service during the war.

He was the last surviving original member of RAF 617 Squadron's famous "Dambusters" raid of 1943.

He was a bomb aimer during Operation Chastise, which was tasked with attacking German dams during the Second World War.

Around a third of the RAF Bomber Command crew did not survive the raid.

Following the death of his wartime colleague Fred Sutherland in January 2019, Johnson became the last survivor of the original flying members of 617 Squadron.

On 25 November 2022, Johnson, who retired from the RAF as a squadron leader, celebrated his 101st birthday.

He was awarded an MBE from the Queen in 2017 for services to Second World War remembrance and the community in Bristol.

Speaking after he collected the honour, Mr Johnson revealed the Queen told him: "Glad to see the Dambusters are still here."

He passed away at a care home in Bristol surrounded by his family.

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