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Dambusters petition reaches 200,000
A campaign by Carol Vorderman to honour the last surviving Dambuster has received more than 200,000 signatures.
George “Johnny” Johnson was just 22-year-old when he took part in the legendary 1943 air raid using experimental bouncing bombs.
The 95-year-old, who lives in Westbury-on-Trym, was left out of this years honours list despite being nominated.
Last surviving Dambuster Johnny was snubbed in the Honours list. Pls sign/RT/Facebook petition #Knighthood4Johnny https://t.co/OrRdUr5SMV
— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) January 4, 2017
Ms Voderman launched the petition calling the decision earlier this month, saying she wanted to get him the “recognition he deserves”.
“I was overwhelmed and humbled by his achievements and what he has done for this country.
“That’s why many of us were extremely disappointed that, in spite of being nominated, he was overlooked in this year’s New Year Honours list. I can’t think of anyone who deserves a knighthood more than Johnny.”
Mr Johnson told the BBC that he would feel “honoured if I did get it”. He said: “But it won’t just be for me. It won’t be for me at all.
“It would be for the squadron and for those who gave their lives on the dams raid.
“I shall make it quite clear, if it comes off, I shall ask with due humility of Her Majesty, if I can dedicate it to the 55,573 bomber air crews that gave their lives during the war.”
She now says she will deliver the signed petition to Downing Street on Thursday.
1 last push!
RT & sign petition https://t.co/N7CWlQNHG6 so Last Brit Dambuster honoured?@carolvorders & I delivering to Downing St on Thurs pic.twitter.com/Vc9aNOY2J9— John Nichol (@JohnNicholRAF) January 23, 2017
Top image courtesy of Change.org and Carol Voderman
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