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The Last British Dambuster: One Man's Extraordinary Life and the Raid that Changed History
The remarkable recollections of George 'Johnny' Johnson, Britain's last surviving Dambuster.
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 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.
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 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.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2014
9 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 27, 2018
What a good book! George Johnny Johnson recounts his memoirs, from his neglected childhood to his career in the RAF and beyond. Along the way he saw active duty as a gunner and then bomb aimer on Lancasters in WW2, eventually joining 617 squadron - the dambusters. His RAF career takes up a big chunk of the book, but there is much more to Johnny's story. And throughout, he comes across as honest, open and very modest. His outrage at modern revisionist historians is interesting!
I listened to the audiobook and the narration, by English actor Michael Tudor Barnes, was excellent. Had a tear in my eye towards the end.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration, by English actor Michael Tudor Barnes, was excellent. Had a tear in my eye towards the end.
May 27, 2018
This one's a little off my usual patch for reading but was very enjoyable. George 'Johnny' Johnson was the man who released the bombs in the crew of one of the Lancaster bombers in World War II's "Dambuster" raid, made famous by the 1955 film The Dambusters. I saw the film as an adolescent, which probably accounts for any interest I have in the subject. That the so-called "bouncing bombs" were a real feat of engineering skill is beyond dispute as is the daring and adroitness it took for the crews to deliver them on target in the heavily-defended heart of industrial Germany at the time. The book was written when Johnson was in his 90's but his memory of the times, the details, and even the feel of the events he describes is truly remarkable. It's also the moving story of his childhood, which was far from ideal, and the love of family he achieved with his wife and children. He had a very interesting and fulfilling life of which the dambusters raid was only one memorable part. A story well worth reading for this or any other generation and he tells it with an equally admirable lack of pretense, bravado, or boasting. A remarkable story by an equally remarkable but ordinary man. - BH.
December 2, 2014
Very good Memoir. The Author details his life from a very hard childhood to be given a chance at an education and finally joining the RAF which changed his life. The story of the Dambusters raid is well known however he does shed new light on the raid and the crews involved. Typical self effacing Brit. who tells it like it is and whose greatest achievement in life was to have a happy loving family.
January 26, 2017
It's not fantastically written, but this is an interesting first person account of a long and largely ordinary life with an extraordinary event at its centre. I'm glad Johnny is still with us and enjoying himself.
December 28, 2014
This was a fantastic read I just couldn't put it down. Loved it from start to finish I would have given this book more stars if I could.
July 31, 2015
What a fantastic read! A wonderful story of a truly inspirational man . Difficult to put down.
May 13, 2020
George Johnny Johnson still the last British Dambuster now aged 97 failed his training as a Pilot but became a Gunner for the Lancaster probably the best bomber at the time during WWll, and from being a Gunner then became a bomb aimer and was involved in the Dambuster raid, and from there went on many more missions, did not get on well with his father lived in Lincolnshire. The book explains his life up to the present time. A great read one of the best books I have read about a war veteran. Nice easy read that I recommend.
March 23, 2019
I picked this up at the library sale as an audio recording. To be honest this would not be my normal choice for a book, but I am trying to broaden my reading! As with many of us, I knew about the dam busters and grew up in Sheffield and have been to the dam where they practiced. George ‘Johnny’ Johnson’s story is not just about the dambusters raid, his life is not just defined by that one incident. We find out about his challenging upbringing with a father who cared little for him, becoming a proud family man, a long career in the RAF, becoming a teacher and in his later years recounting his experiences in the war to people today, from children to the queen!
A lovely man whose best friend was a pig....
A lovely man whose best friend was a pig....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2024
This was my fault as the book is about the life of Johnny Johnson, not just his time at the Dambusters. Yes, a good part of the book is about the Lancaster raids, but I was less interested in Johnny being a teacher. So just remember that the book is a full story of this amazing man's life and not just about that famous night in May 1943. Anyway, massive tribute to a wonderful survivor. What a boring life the rest of us lead by comparison.
January 11, 2026
Got this book as a Christmas present from my daughter, as she knows I’m a huge history buff (WW2 in particular). I had read something about the Dambusters maybe when I was a teenager so this was quite a treat to read the account of George “Johnny” Johnson. What an incredible life! And what a over comer given his early upbringing. I especially appreciate his core values, “discipline, respect and loyalty” and it was touching that his son felt compelled to tell his Dad’s story!
June 7, 2019
A thoroughly humbling read, filled with courage and determination. I enjoyed reading about the many facets of this wonderful persons life with awe and inspiration.
This was an age when life expectancy could be measured in weeks , but has achieved more by living life to the full and thankfully continues to do so.
Thank you
This was an age when life expectancy could be measured in weeks , but has achieved more by living life to the full and thankfully continues to do so.
Thank you
February 12, 2020
A wonderful look at an ordinary man who became part of an extraordinary story. I love the way this book looks at all aspects of Johnny's life, from his humble beginnings, to his life in the RAF and afterwards, it's not just about the Dambuster raids. Such an inspiration and a thoroughly enjoyable book.
July 13, 2022
This is a fantastic insight into the life of a real
Life hero. It details his life before , during and after the RAF and his role in 617 squadron. The book explains how it was flying in the AVRO Lancaster and the missions it undertook. A must read for all aviation enthusiasts .
Life hero. It details his life before , during and after the RAF and his role in 617 squadron. The book explains how it was flying in the AVRO Lancaster and the missions it undertook. A must read for all aviation enthusiasts .
October 20, 2024
Really amazing story of a disadvantaged person who served their Country, did something amazing, but remained humble and grateful to others through out. A real recounting of events, rather than a glorified version.
February 24, 2026
I appreciate the sacrifices and risks these airmen played but I was really hoping for more description of the actual operation of the bomb and the day. It was hard to keep reading once the day was over.
January 2, 2017
Fascinating insight into the Dambusters' raid from one who was there. Also how men could change there 'class' during the war.
March 4, 2017
What a truly amazing story, Johnny Johnson started off with a very humble beginning then becoming one so great and admirable.
Surely he deserves a knighthood!
Surely he deserves a knighthood!
September 25, 2017
How it really was.
The truth is always greater than fiction.
It just proves that everything is possible no matter the odds.
Everyone needs to read this book.
The truth is always greater than fiction.
It just proves that everything is possible no matter the odds.
Everyone needs to read this book.
March 13, 2018
Amazing
Amazing read well worth it would like to find more like this really enjoyed and couldn't put the book down
Amazing read well worth it would like to find more like this really enjoyed and couldn't put the book down
August 13, 2018
Fantastic read, difficult to put down. If it was’nt for men like him, the world would have been a very different place.
January 4, 2020
What an interesting read by a truly inspirational man - it's a true personal account of the mission as well as his own life story.
February 7, 2020
Great read, covering a huge and important part of the second World War. You can't help falling in love with admiration of Johnny Johnson.
July 31, 2020
Hero.
July 7, 2021
It was OK.
October 7, 2022
A throughly fascinating read and a great tribute to all those in the RAF especially during WW2.
October 20, 2022
A cracking personal account of the life of a dambuster from his humble beginnings through his RAF career to his civilian life and retirement.
January 12, 2023
This book well exceeded my expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed his personal career from such humble beginnings to Squadron Leader. Having read a few books on Bomber Command the way Johnny described the internals and workings of the Lancaster were fantastic. Being from Newark myself I never realised that he started life, went to school and finished his teaching career only a few miles from where I was living at exactly the same time as him. He was down to earth, honest and had all the same moral values that I grew up with. This man was an absolute legend and to read his story was a joy.
December 14, 2015
The Last British Dambuster is a joy to read. George Johnny Johnson, now 94 Years old, is far more than his contribution to Operations Chastise, better known as the Dambusters Raids. In his autobiography, he offers his personal experiences and reflections on his childhood. He gives a unique perspective on the War Years both prior and immediately afterwards. And he is frank about his contribution to the Dambuster Raids, his following military career, his marriage and desire for family life. It's a beautiful soliloquy.
Mr. Johnson was the bomb-aimer on one of the Lancasters, which damaged the Sorpe Dam. Other crews in the 617 Squadron destroyed the Möhne and Edersee Dams, leading to catastrophic flooding in the valley. He attributes his survival to luck and the skill of his comrades. About 50% of the Lancasters that took part in Operation Chastise never made it back.
George Johnny Johnson's character, love of life, determination and respect of his comrades bursts through the pages. His descriptions of his experiences are beautifully written and full of pragmatism and a respectful touch of humor. He had a job to do, and he did it to the best of his ability. His memories are sharp, his opinions some of the most pragmatic you will read on the subject, and he avoids romanticizing his part in the war in any way.
I would highly recommend this autobiography to anyone with an interest in WWII, and it is a must read if you have any interest in the Dambusters Raids.
Mr. Johnson was the bomb-aimer on one of the Lancasters, which damaged the Sorpe Dam. Other crews in the 617 Squadron destroyed the Möhne and Edersee Dams, leading to catastrophic flooding in the valley. He attributes his survival to luck and the skill of his comrades. About 50% of the Lancasters that took part in Operation Chastise never made it back.
George Johnny Johnson's character, love of life, determination and respect of his comrades bursts through the pages. His descriptions of his experiences are beautifully written and full of pragmatism and a respectful touch of humor. He had a job to do, and he did it to the best of his ability. His memories are sharp, his opinions some of the most pragmatic you will read on the subject, and he avoids romanticizing his part in the war in any way.
I would highly recommend this autobiography to anyone with an interest in WWII, and it is a must read if you have any interest in the Dambusters Raids.
August 30, 2016
The Last British Dambuster, a 2014 account of the experiences of George Johnson not only during the famous Dambuster raid, but before and after that as well. I was at first a little concerned on a couple of counts - firstly the subtitle 'the Raid that Changed History', which I thought was exaggerating things a bit - 'the Raid that Made History' might have been more appropriate - and a little wondering over what it could add to the myriad of books on the subject of the raid. As it turned out, the wonderful detail of the practicalities of crewing a Lancaster, as well as the practicalities of a post-war RAF career made the whole thing just incredible. Vey enjoyable.
September 8, 2016
Another brilliant book from a member of Bomber Command.
When reading this book I was amazed at the detail and clarity of his story. He manages to be very detailed about the technical side of things whilst still making sure that it is understandable by the Layman.
Johnny's stories of his personal life and romance are real, charming and endearing. And the book makes vivid a time gone by.
I have really thoroughly enjoyed this book and I feel honoured and privileged to have met the author and him sign my copy!
When reading this book I was amazed at the detail and clarity of his story. He manages to be very detailed about the technical side of things whilst still making sure that it is understandable by the Layman.
Johnny's stories of his personal life and romance are real, charming and endearing. And the book makes vivid a time gone by.
I have really thoroughly enjoyed this book and I feel honoured and privileged to have met the author and him sign my copy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews