A DECORATED war hero who was only able to attend the unveiling of a Bomber Command memorial after an outcry has died, aged 92.

Former rear gunner Freddie Johnson, from Tadcaster, was awarded six medals in the Second World War, including the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry, during five years’ service on Wellington and Halifax bombers, and was twice shot down, once behind enemy lines.

But The Press revealed last year how he had not been invited to the ceremonial unveiling of a £6.5 million memorial in London by the Queen. The story was picked up by other media, generating international coverage, local MP Nigel Adams intervened and he then found he was being invited after all.

His daughter Mandy said yesterday that Freddie had been very pleased that, thanks to The Press coverage of the story, he had been able to go to the ceremony after all.

She said he had died at home, in line with the family’s wishes, having only just returned from hospital.

She said he had left a widow Jean, herself and two sons, Simon and Nick, the latter of whom was flying back from New Zealand with his wife to attend his funeral.

She said until very recently, Freddie had been a very active member of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) and had also been a patron of the university cadets at RAF Church Fenton, and representatives of the association and RAF were set to attend the funeral and provide pall bearers.

She said the service would take place at 1pm on Tuesday, April 23, at St Mary’s Parish Church in Tadcaster, followed by cremation at Harrogate and then a gathering at Tadcaster Social Club, formerly the Royal British Legion.