AIR cadets in Dursley welcomed the last surviving British member of the daring Dambusters raid to their headquarters on Monday.

Sqn Ldr George Leonard ‘Johnny’ Johnson MBE, one of only two people left who took part in Operation Chastise, was invited by 649 Sqn to its parade night on Monday.

Dozens of cadets were given a presentation on the details of the Dambuster raids before Sqn Ldr Johnson gave a talk on his experiences during and after the Second World War and his involvement in what has become one of the most recognisable actions of the conflict.

Operation Chastise was an attack on German dams over two days in May 1943 aimed at disrupting the industrial Ruhr Valley through the destruction of two dams.

Members of RAF 617 Sqn used purpose-built “bouncing bombs” to breach the Möhne and Edersee Dams.

Sqn Ldr Johnson is the only British participant of the raids still alive and collected an MBE from the Queen last year for his contribution.

Canadian front gunner Fred Sutherland is the other surviving member.

In a short interlude following his talk, cadets and their families had the opportunity to speak with Sqn Ldr Johnson and to pose for photographs.

The second half of the evening consisted of a question and answer session where a number of myths surrounding the Dambuster raids were clarified.

Officer commanding 649 Squadron, flying officer Evans "This is the second time I have had the good fortune to meet this marvellous gentleman - he doesn’t disappoint”.

Sqn Ldr Johnson spoke with all of the cadets who attended the talk during a signing session of their identification books which brought the evening to a close.

Speaking at the end of the evening, Sqn Ldr Johnson said: "I enjoy presenting to people who are interested, and the cadets this evening were.

"Whatever I do, it's not for me, it's for the [Dambusters] squadron.

“Just representing the original Dambusters squadron is, I hope, satisfactory."

For more information about the Dursley squadron, 649sqn.co.uk