Pressure builds for Second World War hero

9:23am Monday 11th June 2012 in News

Freddie Johnson Freddie Johnson

PRESSURE is building for a highly decorated Second World War hero from Tadcaster to be given a ticket to attend the unveiling of a long-awaited memorial to Bomber Command.

Scores of Press readers have called on the newspaper’s website for former rear gunner Freddie Johnson, 91, to be able to go to the ceremony in London later this month after the newspaper reported on Saturday that no ticket was available.

York Central MP Hugh Bayley has also expressed his concerns, and said he would be prepared to press for a place to be found.

Related links

Comments(14)

mickrick says...
9:27am Mon 11 Jun 12

Hugh Bailey "would be prepared to press for a place to be found"

Yes right, providing there are some expenses involved.
Not wrong am i Hugh.

Report this post »

Kevin Turvey says...
9:28am Mon 11 Jun 12

'York Central MP Hugh Bayley has also expressed his concerns, and said he would be prepared to press for a place to be found.'

He can be the first to give up his ticket then!
Or another worthless politician on a jolly

Report this post »

Big Bad Wolf says...
9:43am Mon 11 Jun 12

York can find the cash to "honor"
a rare beetle but cannot see a way to get this gentleman the recognition he deserves after putting his life on the line for his country.
Come on CofY council.... Pay for his fare.

Report this post »

Lord Muck says...
9:50am Mon 11 Jun 12

Big Bad Wolf - do you keep sharpened pitchforks at the ready by the front door to join any passing lynch mobs? Freddie's been denied a place through a ticket allocation balls-up. No amount of council cash will help; it's for the 'organisers' to sort out.

Report this post »

Pete the Brickie says...
9:59am Mon 11 Jun 12

I read the Earl of Wessex is going to the unveiling, whilst I note that the Earl has nearly as many medals on his chest as Mr Johnson having compared the two individual's connections to the armed forces and specifically who flew most missions over Germany in the second world war with only a 50 percent chance of coming back alive and who left the Marines after a few days because the toilet paper was the wrong grade I've come to the conclusion that Mr Johnson might have been are more suitable candidate to invite.
Maybe Hugh Bayley could use his influence to ask the palace if they could send one less servant for the Queens youngest son and 23rd in line for the throne or leave his wife at home and make space for Mr Johnson?

Report this post »

Expat says...
10:48am Mon 11 Jun 12

Hugh Bayley has not got the 'Guts' to demand a ticket for Mr Johnson.

Report this post »

xtc says...
1:50pm Mon 11 Jun 12

A hero such as him should nt need a poxy ticket!a place of honour surely as i m sure he must hold a record for missions flown and survived alone!

Report this post »

topumpire1 says...
2:00pm Mon 11 Jun 12

Big Bad Wolf wrote:
York can find the cash to "honor"
a rare beetle but cannot see a way to get this gentleman the recognition he deserves after putting his life on the line for his country.
Come on CofY council.... Pay for his fare.
It is NOT his fare to London which is the issue here (Also it is not CYC's area, being Tadcaster) but the need for a ticket when he gets there. It could be a government publicity disaster should Mr Johnson be taken (or gets) to London & has to stand outside as the "invited" ticketholders, with no affiliation to Bomber Command, go past!

Report this post »

bringbackcommonsense says...
2:33pm Mon 11 Jun 12

Maybe we could ask Will.I.Am to forgo his ticket (I'm sure he would have been given one judging by his prominence at events recently).
As stated above, Mr Johnson should not require a ticket, he should be given an invitation as one of the guests of honour.

Report this post »

R'Marcus says...
3:59pm Mon 11 Jun 12

The people of York should be proud that one of our own has served this country proudly, and a big "Thank you" to Mr. Johnson and his ilk for serving our country, and pay for him to the unveiling.
Come on CoY council! Pull your digits out-and soon!

Report this post »

telos says...
4:46pm Mon 11 Jun 12

I am very pleased to see that the pressure is mounting. I only hope that it works out for him. After the jubilee nonsense last weekend, this would truely be an event worth being there for. I will salute Mr Johnson and all the rest, even if i can not be there in person. I will probably visit next year.

Report this post »

Tea please says...
5:31pm Mon 11 Jun 12

If this Gentleman, to whom this country owes a HUGE debt, cannot get an invite to this event, then I suggest that the organiser should be visited by as many WW2 bombers as possible and Bombed.

Report this post »

was york now rotherham says...
6:59pm Mon 11 Jun 12

accordding to BBC Looknorth Bomber command are looking in to getting tickets sorted out for him and it was a over site that he was missed out

Report this post »

jumbojet says...
10:23pm Mon 11 Jun 12

You are going Fred, and many thanks to your MP, Nigel Adams, and all others. I made a lot of phone calls, whether they did any good, I'm not sure, but you made the Daily Liar this morning. Enjoy old boy, and many thanks. Chug-a-lug.

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree