The Last British Dambuster: One Man's Extraordinary Life and the Raid that Changed History

by George Johnny Johnson

Overview

The remarkable recollections of George 'Johnny' Johnson, Britain's last surviving Dmbuster.
     Johnny Johnson is 92 years old and one of very few men who can recall first-hand the most daring and ingenious air raid of all time. He can also vividly remember his childhood spent working on a farm with his controlling father, the series of events that led him to the RAF and the rigorous training that followed. But it was his decision to join 617 Squadron, and the consequences, that have truly stayed etched in his mind.
     On May 16, 1943, Johnny, alongside 132 specially selected comrades, took off from Scampton airbase in Lincolnshire. For six weeks they had been trained to fulfil one mission that was near impossible: to destroy three dams deep within Germany's Ruhr Valley. It was a daring task but, against the odds, Johnny and his crew survived. Sadly, 53 comrades did not.
     For the first time, Johnny relives every moment of that fatal night -- and the devastating aftermath. He recalls with unique wit and insight the difficult training conducted in secrecy, the race against time to release the bombs, and the sheer strength and bravery shown by a small unit faced with great adversity and uncertainty. Embodying a whole squadron, and leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come, Johnny's story is like no other.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780091957759
Publisher:	Crown Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/01/2015
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Sergeant GEORGE JOHNNY JOHNSON was born in Lincolnshire in 1921, the sixth child of a farm foreman. On the outbreak of the Second World War he volunteered for the RAF. After completing initial training, Johnny was sent to the USA for pilot training. Failing this course, he returned to England and became an air gunner. In July 1942, he was posted to 97 Squadron, where he became a bomb-aimer. A chance meeting introduced him to Flight Lieutenant Joe McCarthy, and they were soon flying together on a number of major raids before joining 617 Squadron. Johnny went on to complete a further 19 operations with 617 Squadron before he was posted elsewhere. He remained an instructor until the end of hostilities. Post-war he served with 100 Squadron and 120 Squadron Coastal Command. After a period in the Far East and a final tour in the UK, Johnny retired as Squadron Leader in 1962. Following the death of his wife, whom he adored for over 60 years, Johnny moved to Bristol where he is supported and much loved by an extended family of three children, eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. .

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Chapter 1 Chuck-Chuck and a Family at War 1

Chapter 2 Merlin Music and the Great Escape 19

Chapter 3 Journey Into Darkness and the Babbacombe Bombshell 45

Chapter 4 Night Fighters and a Fiasco In Florida 71

Chapter 5 Bombs Goneand My War Begins 95

Chapter 6 Heading Home and Toasting the Bridesmaids 123

Chapter 7 Smooth Landings and the Dams Raid 151

Chapter 8 The Debrief and a Return to the Sorpe 183

Chapter 9 North Africa and the Lemon Raffle 201

Chapter 10 Frozen Potties and Career Suicide 221

Chapter 11 Singapore, Swords and Missiles 245

Chapter 12 Teaching and the Tory Party 267

Epilogue 287

Acknowledgements 303

Glossary 305

Picture Credits 306