Tributes paid to last Dambuster George 'Johnny' Johnson, who taught at Highfields School, Newark

Tributes have been paid to the last remaining hero of the second world war Dambuster raid, George 'Johnny' Johnson, who died yesterday.

Mr Johnson died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Bristol yesterday with his family at his side, at the age of 101.

George Leonard ‘Johnny’ Johnson was the last original British member of RAF 617 Squadron, who took part in the famous Dambuster raid.

He was a teacher at Newark Highfields School after the second world war.

Cleo Staniforth, of Highfields School said: “We were lucky enough for him to visit us back in 2017 when he spoke to the children about his experiences during the war.

“It was a privilege to meet him and he made a lasting impression on our staff and pupils.

“Our thoughts today are with Johnny's dear family from all at Highfields School.”

People have been paying respects online to the respected war hero following his death.

A campaign was launched for a knighthood for Mr Johnson ­— supported by celebrities such as TV host Carol Vorderman ­— for his wartime efforts and charity works.

Instead, he was made an MBE in 2017.

Mr Johnson has visited Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre Enquiries several times during his life.

Spokesperfon of Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre Enquiries said: "It was always a pleasure to meet and speak to Johnny.

" He was a very modest unassuming gentleman, always keen to promote Bomber Command and 617 Squadron in memory of those he knew who flew and did not return.

"He will be greatly missed but his legacy lives on."

Artist Dan Llywelyn Hall had the opportunity to paint six portraits of the war hero, including one for his 100th birthday.

He said: “As a subject for a portrait, he had layers, he oozed a gentle and warm spirit but beneath had the steeliness of character that gave him the resolve to go out on that seemingly impossible mission.

“I remember listening to him weighing up the complex morality of his mission and he had an absolute clarity about what had to be done based on a life’s reflection.

“Such things we will hopefully never have to bear again."

“In 2018, I was introduced to this most disarming and generous of souls who just happened to have taken part in one of the most audacious exercises of the second world war.

“After having a sitting with Johnny for a single portrait, it grew into an ambition to reunite him with his squadron of 132 of the men who flew out on one moonlit evening.

“He personified charm and made for an easy sitter as his curiosity kept you alert and searching.

“He became something of a muse.”