Air Vice Marshal Johnnie Johnson. Battle of Britain airman?

Hi Edgar
Yes I agree that in those circumstances it would.
however, it is only anecdotal and not corobarated in official documents.
Perhaps Dilip has a copy of his log entry which would be sufficient proof.

Regards and thanks
Gerry

I am aware of his flight on September 11th. My understanding is that he was on a training flight that was vectored to intercept an unknown aircraft. However, there is no mention of this in the squadrons ORB or anywhere else that I have looked. His book is also vague and provides no further detail. Consequently, I presume this is anecdotal evidence?

It comes from Dilip Sarkar’s book “Spitfire Ace of Aces.” I know that Sarkar is not highly thought of in some circles, but he did interview Johnson, and got to see his logbook, which I believe is now in private hands, since it was sold (with Johnson’s permission) to raise funds for the RAF Museum after his death. Being vectored onto an unidentified radar plot could have resulted in combat, so was apparently considered an operational patrol.

Dear all,

Many thanks for your replies.

Edgar,
I am aware of his flight on September 11th. My understanding is that he was on a training flight that was vectored to intercept an unknown aircraft. However, there is no mention of this in the squadrons ORB or anywhere else that I have looked. His book is also vague and provides no further detail. Consequently, I presume this is anecdotal evidence?

I would love to see his log book entries for September and October 1940. I am sure these would clear up any doubt for once and for all.

There were many airmen attached to squadrons during the Battle that failed, for whatever reason, to fly operationally during the required period. I suspect that Johnnie Johnson falls into this category.

None of this detracts from the fact that he was undoubtedly an exceptional pilot.

Gerry

Just how many Johnnie Johnsons are there ? It seems anyone in the RAF with the surname Johnson, was automatically called
Johnnie. I find it very confusing.

And all Wards in the Royal Navy are nicknamed Sharky. How many Snowy/Chalkie White’s are there?

My copy of Kenneth Wynn’s “Men of the Battle of Britain” lists Johnson with the following;

“Posted to 7 OTU, Haywardenin August 1940, Joined 19 Sqn at the end of that month and moved to 616 Sqn at Kenley on Sept 5th. Johnson went into hospital on Sept 20th and did not return to the squadron until December”.

Hope this helps.

Not all Johnsons got to be AVM, though. Johnson didn’t see combat during the Battle, largely because 616 was in the process of rebuilding in 12 Group, but did an “X-raid patrol,” on 11-9-40, which qualified him for the Battle clasp. He went into hospital 20-9-40, and didn’t return to 616 until 28-12-40.

He actually qualified for and was awarded his Clasp but effectively missed the Battle to have his shoulder sorted out.

Just how many Johnnie Johnsons are there ? It seems anyone in the RAF with the surname Johnson, was automatically called
Johnnie. I find it very confusing.

I believe he had an old rugby injury (shoulder) he took into the RAF which was made worse when he ground looped a Spitfire.
He had an operation to correct his shoulder and because of this operation he missed the Battle of Britain.