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It’s Dam time we awarded a knighthood to a true British hero to remind us what gongs are for

George “Johnny” Johnson was just 21 when he risked his life for his country in the daring Dambusters raids against the Nazis, so why hasn't he been recognised for his valiant efforts?

NOTHING can disguise the shabby cronyism of the honours system.

But awarding a knighthood to a true British hero might remind us all what the gongs are supposed to mean.

The Government must show it respects true valour over rewarding its mates, and announce Johnny’s name on the next list as quickly as possible
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The Government must show it respects true valour over rewarding its mates, and announce Johnny’s name on the next list as quickly as possibleCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

George “Johnny” Johnson was just 21 when he risked his life for his country in the daring Dambusters raids against the Nazis.

He retired from the RAF in 1962 and became a teacher, local councillor and charity fundraiser, giving large sums to deserving causes.

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Johnny is too modest to have sought out reward — our campaign is about recognising a Brit who has shown genuine courage and sacrifice.

In this he couldn’t be further from the cronies and well-paid politicos that creep onto each new honours list.

Dambusters hero Johnny Johnson says he's 'stunned by the response from Sun readers' to our campaign to have him knighted
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Dambusters hero Johnny Johnson says he's 'stunned by the response from Sun readers' to our campaign to have him knightedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Gongs are thrown at people like Samantha Cameron while the real heroes have to wait their turn
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Gongs are thrown at people like Samantha Cameron while the real heroes have to wait their turnCredit: Getty Images

From Samantha Cameron’s stylist, to the chief of the failed Remain campaign, to the mandarin overseeing the rank wastefulness of our foreign aid programme, gongs are sloshed around like baubles greedy insiders can expect after a few years in a Whitehall gig.

Yet when someone like Johnny from outside the old boys’ network is put forward, he’s shamefully overlooked.

The Government must show it respects true valour over rewarding its mates, and announce Johnny’s name on the next list as quickly as possible.

At 95, it can’t come soon enough.

Just app-alling

NHS waiting lists getting longer, A&E departments closing their doors and GPs struggling to accept new patients
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NHS waiting lists getting longer, A&E departments closing their doors and GPs struggling to accept new patientsCredit: Getty Images

WHEN will Brits finally lose patience at their NHS services slipping away?

Waiting lists getting longer, A&E departments closing their doors, GPs struggling to accept new patients. Now London is trialling a phone app to replace the 111 helpline.

111 isn’t much cop – the “experts” staffing the line regularly miss vital clues.

But even they are more use than a pre-programmed app.

Without reform, the billions we plough into the NHS will continue to disappear down the plughole.

We must force those who can afford it and those who abuse the system to pay.

But those who treat the NHS like an endangered animal repeatedly shut down any discussion of change before it can get going.

A grown-up debate is sorely needed, before there’s no NHS left to save.

Unbeleaveable

Sir Ivan Rogers flounced out of his job, and a University of Cambridge study found that any Brexit hit to the economy will be minor
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Sir Ivan Rogers flounced out of his job, and a University of Cambridge study found that any Brexit hit to the economy will be minorCredit: EPA

IF Remainers didn’t like 2016, they’re starting to hate 2017.

In the past week the FTSE has broken records and our manufacturing and services sectors have hit two-year highs.

By contrast, pro-EU ambassador Sir Ivan Rogers flounced out of his job, and a University of Cambridge study found that any Brexit hit to the economy will be minor.

Project Fear has never looked more ridiculous.

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