Squadron Leader George ‘Johnny’ Johnson was one of the most incredible human beings I have ever met.
He was funny, entertaining, charming, kind, generous but above all of those things and at his very core he was fearless, brave and strong. I was very lucky to become a friend in his later life and have many times to remember, full of laughter and intrigue.
Politicians may not have promoted these heroes but the public did and still do today. I remember one particularly long lunch when word got around the restaurant that Johnny was there.
When he walked out of the room, the whole restaurant stood up and applauded him. He was a hero unquestionably.
A staggering 72% of the 125,000 brave men from the Greatest Generation who volunteered for Bomber Command during the Second World War were killed, wounded or captured during operations.
Almost half died in action and their average age when killed was just 23.
Squadron Leader George ‘Johnny’ Johnson was in his very early 20s when he flew with 617 Squadron in the famed Dambuster raids. All of them brave, fearless, offering their lives for the freedom of this country. 53 young men died that night.
Yet after the war ended, those who served in Bomber Command, who took their orders from above were shunned because of political decisions taken by the ruling classes.
Decisions which were not theirs.
Such was the feeling of shame, it’s only over the past two decades that many were able to open up and tell their stories. And we have listened. Finally.
So it’s right that in remembering Johnny Johnson’s life today, he would have wanted us to celebrate all those who served despite the appalling risks in one of the most dangerous campaigns of the war.
Blue skies Johnny. Thank you for everything. Per Ardua Ad Astra.
