All at the RAF Benevolent Fund pay tribute to the service and life of Dambusters Veteran, Squadron Leader George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, who sadly passed away yesterday at the age of 101.
Johnny was a Bomb Aimer in 617 Squadron that, as part of Operation Chastise, destroyed key dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley industrial heartland during the Second World War.
The raid, which took place on the night of May 16/17, 1943, involved 133 aircrew flying 19 specially adapted Lancaster bombers.
It was a risky raid, dropping the revolutionary bouncing bomb at low level, and the cost was very high – of 133 crew who left, only 53 returned.
Later in his life Johnny was a keen supporter of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s charity cycle event the Dambusters Ride.
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said:
“Everyone at the RAF Benevolent Fund will be sad to learn of the passing of Squadron Leader ‘Johnny’ Johnson. His death marks the end of an era and we remain grateful for his support, especially for our Dambusters cycle ride. Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends at this sad time.”
The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, providing practical, financial, and emotional support to RAF personnel, veterans, and their partners and dependants. If you know a member of the RAF Family in need, please go to rafbf.org to find out how the Fund could help.
