MP backs medal call for heroes
CHEADLE MP Mary Robinson has added her support to calls for proper recognition of the efforts made by the Dambusters during the Second World War.
During a recent event at the Avro Heritage Museum in Woodford to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Dambuster raids, she joined mayor, Coun Linda Holt, to meet the Second World War mission’s only living survivor, George Leonard ‘Johnny’ Johnson.
They heard a first-hand account of the bravery of the entire squadron as they carried out some of the most dangerous airborne campaigns of the war.
The Avro Lancaster bomber used during the raids was constructed mostly in Greater Manchester and modified at Avro’s factory in Woodford so it could accommodate the ‘bouncing bomb’ dropped by the Dambusters.
Bomber command veterans were previously awarded a clasp to add to their medal, which all WW2 veterans received for their service in combat. However there have been calls for bomber command veterans to receive a medal in their own right.
Mary said: “It was an absolute pleasure and an honour to have the chance to meet Johnny Johnson at the commemoration of the Dambuster raids.
“To hear about the dangers the Dambusters faced and how they carried out their task with such bravery was awe inspiring and there is huge support for bomber command veterans to have a medal of their own.”