George 'Johnny' Johnson, at his home, the last surviving British Dambuster turns 100 in 2021 05012017 Credit PA Images Alamy.jpg
George 'Johnny' Johnson, at his home in Bristol in 2017 (Picture: PA Images/Alamy).
Veterans

Last surviving British Dambuster celebrates 100th birthday

George 'Johnny' Johnson, at his home, the last surviving British Dambuster turns 100 in 2021 05012017 Credit PA Images Alamy.jpg
George 'Johnny' Johnson, at his home in Bristol in 2017 (Picture: PA Images/Alamy).

The last surviving British Dambuster from the daring Second World War raid has celebrated his 100th birthday.

Veteran Squadron Leader George 'Johnny' Johnson was a bomb-aimer during the 1943 attack on German dams.

At just 22, he was responsible for dropping specially-adapted bombs in Germany's Ruhr Valley, the country's industrial heartland.

The raid targeted the valley's dams, releasing huge quantities of water into areas used by Germany for war production.

Tributes have poured in to celebrate the Dambuster's birthday.

Former RAF Tornado navigator John Nichol, who came to the world's attention as a prisoner during the First Gulf War was eager to mention how "humble, delightful" and "generous" Mr Johnson is.

In a tweet, he said: "You could not hope to meet a more humble, delightful, generous man.

"He is of the generation who thought of others before themselves. Heroes all."

In 2017, Mr Johnson was made an MBE following a long-running campaign supported by celebrities including TV presenter Carol Vorderman, the honorary Group Captain Ambassador for the RAF Air Cadets.

In a tweet, she said: "A wonderful man who I met in Bristol (where we both live), we've had many parties and good times over the years. On behalf of ⁦Air Cadets we wish you a very Happy Birthday."

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