Johnnie Johnson (RAF officer)

Johnnie Johnson (RAF officer) was a highly decorated British fighter pilot and air force officer, renowned as the Royal Air Force's top-scoring fighter ace against the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. He achieved 34 aerial victories while flying with the elite No. 616 Squadron RAF and later commanding No. 144 (RCAF) Wing and No. 127 Wing RCAF over Western Europe. After the war, he rose to the rank of Air Vice-Marshal, serving in command roles during the Korean War and in NATO before retiring in 1966. Johnson was also a respected author of several acclaimed books on aerial warfare and fighter tactics.

Early life and education

James Edgar Johnson was born in Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, and developed an early interest in aviation. He was educated at Loughborough Grammar School before studying civil engineering at University College, Nottingham. Prior to the war, he worked as a civil engineer and was an enthusiastic amateur sportsman, particularly skilled at rugby union and fox hunting, which honed his eye for terrain. He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1939, initially being rejected for pilot training due to a childhood injury but eventually gaining acceptance.

Second World War service

Johnson was posted to No. 616 Squadron RAF in 1941, flying the Supermarine Spitfire under the tutelage of the legendary Douglas Bader. He scored his first victory in June 1941 during a Circus operation over France. He excelled as a section and flight leader, flying extensively during the Dieppe Raid and over the English Channel. In 1943, he was given command of the Canadian-manned No. 144 (RCAF) Wing, leading it with great success during the Normandy landings and the subsequent Battle of Normandy. His final wartime command was No. 127 Wing RCAF, and by VE Day, his official score of 34 destroyed enemy aircraft was the highest of any RAF pilot who flew solely in the European Theatre.

Post-war career

Remaining in the Royal Air Force, Johnson held several significant post-war appointments. He attended the RAF Staff College, Bracknell and served at the Air Ministry. During the Korean War, he commanded RAF Wildenrath in West Germany as part of RAF Second Tactical Air Force. He later served as the Deputy Director of Operations at the Air Ministry and as Air Officer Commanding No. 3 Group RAF within RAF Bomber Command. His final active role was as Commandant of the RAF College Cranwell before retiring from the service in 1966 with the rank of Air Vice-Marshal.

Personal life

Johnson married Paula, the daughter of Sir James Murray, in 1943, and the couple had two sons. In retirement, he pursued a successful second career as an author and historian, writing definitive works such as *Wing Leader* and *The Story of Air Fighting*. He was also a keen salmon fisherman and enjoyed golf. Johnson maintained close links with his former Royal Canadian Air Force comrades and was a frequent guest at veterans' events in Canada and the United Kingdom. He died at his home in Derbyshire in 2001.

Legacy and honours

Johnnie Johnson is remembered as one of the most skilled and effective fighter leaders of the Second World War. His combat record and leadership of Allied fighter wings are celebrated in aviation history. His literary works remain highly regarded studies of aerial combat. His numerous decorations include the Distinguished Service Order and Two Bars, the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar, the Air Force Cross, and the American Legion of Merit. A Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft of No. 3 Squadron RAF was named "Johnnie Johnson" in his honour, and a memorial stands in Barrow upon Soar.

Category:Royal Air Force air marshals Category:British World War II flying aces Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Order and Two Bars