Johnnie Johnson (RAF officer)
Johnnie Johnson | |
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Other work | Deputy lieutenant for the County of Leicestershire |
Johnson grew up and was educated in the East Midlands, where he qualified as an engineer. A sportsman, Johnson broke his collarbone while playing rugby, an injury that later complicated his ambitions of becoming a fighter pilot. Johnson had been interested in aviation since his youth and applied to join the RAF. He was initially rejected, first on social, and then on medical grounds; he was eventually accepted in August 1939. The injury problems, however, returned during his early training and flying career, resulting in him missing the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain between May and October 1940.
In 1940 Johnson had an operation to reset his collarbone, and began flying regularly. He took part in the offensive sweeps over German-occupied Europe from 1941 to 1944, almost without rest. Johnson was involved in heavy aerial fighting during this period. His combat tour included participation in the Dieppe Raid, Combined Bomber Offensive, Battle of Normandy, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge and the Western Allied invasion of Germany. Johnson progressed to the rank of group captain by the end of the war.
Johnson was credited with 34 individual victories over enemy aircraft, as well as seven shared victories, three shared probable, ten damaged, three shared damaged and one destroyed on the ground.
Johnson continued his career in the RAF after the war, and served in the Korean War before retiring in 1966 with the rank of air vice marshal. He maintained an interest in aviation and did public speaking on the subject as well as entering into the business of aviation art. Johnnie Johnson remained active until his death from cancer in 2001.
Early life
Johnson was born 9 March 1915 in Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire, to Alfred Johnson and Beatrice May Johnson. He lived and was brought up in Melton Mowbray, where his father was a policeman. Alfred Johnson was an inspector by the mid-1930s. One evening Oswald Mosley, the leader of the British Union of Fascists, held a meeting in the town. The licence for the meeting expired at 10 p.m. at which time Alfred Johnson went alone and ejected the Fascists from the building.[11]
Johnson was educated at Camden Street Junior School and Loughborough Grammar School. Johnson's uncle, Edgar Charles Rossell, who had won the Military Cross with the Royal Fusiliers in 1916, paid for Johnson's education at Loughborough.[12] According to his brother Ross, during his time there, Johnson was nearly expelled after refusing punishment for a misdemeanour, believing it to be unjustified: "he was very principled and simply dug his heels in".[13] Among Johnson's hobbies and interests were shooting and sports; he shot rabbits and birds in the local countryside.[14]
Johnson attended the University College Nottingham (later the
Joining the RAF
Johnson started taking flying lessons at his own expense. He applied to join the
Inspired by some Chingford friends who had joined, Johnson applied again to join the
Flight training
In August 1939, Johnson was finally accepted by the RAFVR and began training at weekends at the airfield
By December 1939, Johnson began his initial training at 22 EFTS (Elementary Flying Training School), Cambridge. He flew only three times in December 1939 and eight in January 1940, all as second pilot. On 29 February 1940, Johnson flew solo for the first time in Tiger Moth N6635. On 15 March and 24 April, he passed a 50-minute flight test followed by two night flights the following day. The chief flying instructor passed him on 6 May.
On 19 August 1940, Johnson flew a
Injury resurfaces
After training, in August 1940, he was briefly posted to
Johnson's old injury continued to trouble him and he found flying high performance aircraft like the Spitfire extremely painful. RAF medics gave him two options; he could have an operation that would correct the problem, but this meant he would miss the Battle of Britain, or becoming a training instructor flying the light Tiger Moth. Johnson opted for the operation.[29] He had hoped for discreet treatment, but word soon reached the CO, and Johnson was taken off flying duties and sent to the RAF hospital at Rauceby. He did not return to the squadron until 28 December 1940.[30] CO Burton took Johnson up for a test flight on 31 December 1940 in Miles Magister L8151. After the 45-minute flight, Johnson's fitness to fly was approved.[31]
Second World War
Johnson returned to operational flying in early 1941 in 616 Squadron, which was forming part of the Tangmere Wing. Johnson often found himself flying alongside Wing Commander Douglas Bader and Australian ace Tony Gaze. On 15 January 1941, Johnson, the recently appointed Squadron Leader Burton and Pilot Officer Hugh Dundas, who arrived back at the squadron on 13 September 1940, took off to offer cover for a convoy off North Cotes. The controller vectored the pair onto an enemy aircraft, a Dornier Do 17. Both attacked the bomber and lost sight of it and each other. Although the controllers intercepted distress signals from the bomber Johnson did not see it crash. They were credited with one enemy aircraft damaged. It was the only time Johnson was to engage a German bomber. By the end of January, Johnson had added another 16.35 flying hours on Spitfires.[32]
In the opening months, Johnson flew as a night fighter pilot. Using day fighters to act as night fighters without radar was largely unsuccessful in intercepting German bombers during the Blitz; Johnson's only action occurred on 22 February 1941 when he damaged a Messerschmitt Bf 110 in Spitfire R6611, QJ-F.[32] A week later, Johnson's squadron was moved to RAF Tangmere on the Channel coast.[32] Johnson was eager to see combat after just 10.40 operational hours and welcomed the prospect of meeting the enemy from Tangmere. If the Germans did not resume their assault the wing was to take the fight to them.[33]
In November 1940 Air Marshal
Circus offensives
Johnson's first contact with enemy single-engine fighters did not go as planned. Bader undertook a patrol with Dundas as his number two. Johnson followed in his section as number three with Whaley "Nip" Heppell guarding his tail as Red Four. Johnson spotted three Bf 109s a few hundred feet higher and travelling in the same direction. Johnson, forgetting to calmly report the number, type and position of the enemy, shouted, "Look out Dogsbody!" (Bader's call sign). Such a call was only to be used if the pilot in question was in imminent danger of being attacked. The section broke in all directions and headed to Tangmere singly. The mistake brought an embarrassing rebuke from Bader at the debriefing.[36]
Johnson flew various operations over France including the Rhubarb ground attack missions which Johnson hated—he considered it a waste of pilots.
The first use of these tactics by the Tangmere Wing was used on 6 May 1941. The wing engaged Bf 109Fs from Jagdgeschwader 51 (Fighter Wing 51), led by Werner Mölders. Noticing the approaching Germans below and behind them, the Spitfires feigned ignorance. Waiting for the optimum moment to turn the tables, Bader called for them to break, and whip around behind the Bf 109s. Unfortunately for the Tangmere Wing, while the tactic had been successful in avoiding a surprise attack, the break was mistimed. It left some Bf 109s still behind the Spitfires. In the battle that followed the wing shot down one Bf 109 and damaged another, although Dundas was shot down for the second time in his career—and once again by Mölders, who had remained behind the British. Dundas was able to nurse his crippled fighter back to base and crash-land.[39]
One month later, Johnson gained his first air victory. On 26 June Johnson participated in Circus 24. Crossing the coast near Gravelines, Bader warned of 24 Bf 109s nearby, southeast, in front of the wing. The Bf 109s saw the British and turned to attack the lower No. 610 Squadron from the rear. While watching three Bf 109s above him dive to port, Johnson lost sight of his wing commander at 15,000 feet. Immediately a Bf 109E flew in front of him and turned slightly to port at a range of 150 yards. After receiving hits, the Bf 109's hood was jettisoned and the pilot baled out. Several No. 145 Squadron pilots witnessed the victory. He had expended 278 rounds from P7837's guns. The Bf 109 was one of five lost by Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Wing 2) that day.[40]
A flurry of action followed. On 1 July 1941 he expended 89 rounds and damaged a Bf 109E. Bader's section was attacked and Johnson out-turned his assailant. Firing, he saw
On 21 July, Johnson shared in the destruction of another Bf 109 with Pilot Officer Heppell. Johnson's wingman disappeared during the battle. Sergeant Mabbet was mortally wounded but made a wheels-up landing near St Omer. Impressed with his skilful flying while badly wounded, the Germans buried him with full honours. On 23 July, Johnson damaged another Bf 109. During this battle Adolf Galland, Geschwaderkommodore (wing commander) of JG 26 was wounded; his life was saved by a recently installed armour plate behind his head.[42]
Johnson took part in the 9 August 1941 mission in which Bader was lost over France. On that day Douglas Bader had been without his usual wingman Sir Alan Smith who was unable to fly due to having a head cold. During the sortie, Johnson destroyed a solitary Messerschmitt Bf 109.[43] Johnson flew as wingman to Dundas in Bader's section. As the wing crossed the coast, around 70 Bf 109s were reported in the area, the Luftwaffe aircraft outnumbering Bader's wing by 3:1. Spotting a group of Bf 109s 1,000 feet below them, Bader led a bounce on a lower group. The formations fell apart and the air battle became a mass of twisting aircraft;
It seemed to me the biggest danger was a collision rather than being shot down, that's how close we all were. We got the 109s we were bouncing then (Squadron Leader) Holden came down with his section, so there were a lot of aeroplanes ... just 50 yards apart. It was awful ... all you could think about was surviving, getting out of that mass of aircraft.[44]
Johnson exited the melee and was then immediately attacked by three Bf 109s. The closest was 100 yards away. Maintaining a steep, tight, spiralling turn, he dived into cloud and immediately headed for Dover. Coming out of the cloud, Johnson saw a lone Bf 109. Suspecting it to be one of the three that had chased him, he searched for the other two. Seeing nothing, Johnson attacked and shot it down. It was his fourth victory.[45] Johnson ended his month's tally by adding a probable victory on 21 August. But it had been a bad day and month for the wing. The much loathed Circus and Rhubarb raids had cost Fighter Command 108 fighters. The Germans lost just 18. On 4 September 1941 Johnson was promoted to flight lieutenant and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).[46]
Johnson's last certain victories of the year were achieved on 21 September 1941. Escorting Bristol Blenheims to Gosnay, the top cover wings failed to rendezvous with the bombers. Near Le Touquet at 15:15 and around 20,000 feet, Johnson's section was bounced by 30 Bf 109s. Johnson broke and turned in and behind a Bf 109F. Approaching from a quarter astern and slightly below, Johnson fired closing from 200 to 70 yards. Pilot Officer Smith of Johnson's section observed the pilot bail out. Pursued by several enemy aircraft, Johnson dived to ground level. About 10 miles off Le Touquet, other Bf 109s attacked. Allowing the Germans to close within range, Johnson turned into a steep left-hand turn. It took him onto the tail of a Bf 109. Johnson fired and broke away at 50 yards. The Bf 109 was hit, stalled and crashed into the sea. Johnson was pursued until 10 miles south of Dover. The two victories made Johnson's total to six destroyed, which now meant he was an official flying ace. In winter 1941, Johnson and 616 Squadron moved to training duties. The odd convoy patrol was flown but it was an idle period for the squadron which had now concluded its "Tangmere tour".[47]
Squadron leader to wing commander
On 31 January 1942, the squadron moved to
Yes, the 190 was causing us real problems at this time. We could out-turn it, but you couldn't turn all day. As the number of 190s increased, so the depth of our penetrations decreased. They drove us back to the coast really.[48]
On 25 May, Johnson experienced an unusual mission. His section engaged a
In rhubarb operations over France, Johnson's wing commander, Patrick Jameson, insisted that the line-astern formation be used which caused Johnson to question why tactics such as the finger-four had not been universally adopted. Johnson criticised the lack of tactical consistency and when his squadron flew top cover, he often changed to the finger-four as soon as they reached the French coast, hoping his wing leader would not notice.[50]
By August 1942, preparations were begun for a major operation, Jubilee, at
Johnson took command of No. 127 Wing RCAF based at RAF Kenley after Christmas and they received the new Spitfire IX: the answer to the Fw 190. After gaining a probable against a Fw 190 in February 1943, Johnnie selected Spitfire EN398 after a 50-minute test flight on 22 March 1943.[53] It became his regular mount. Being a wing commander now meant his initials could be painted on the machine. His Spitfires now carried JE-J. He was also allotted the call sign "Greycap".[54][55]
Johnson set about changing the wing's tactical approach. He quickly forced the wing to abandon the line-astern tactics for the finger-four formation which offered much more safety in combat; enabling multiple pilots to participate in scanning the skies for enemy aircraft so as to avoid an attack, and also being better able to spot and position their unit for a surprise attack upon the enemy. Johnson made another alteration to his units operations. He loathed ground-attack missions which highly trained fighter pilots were forced to participate in. He abandoned ground attack missions whenever he could.[54] During these weeks, Johnson's wing escorted United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) bombers to targets in France. On a fighter sweep, Ramrod 49, Johnson destroyed an Fw 190 for his eighth victory. Unteroffizier Hans Hiess from 6. Staffel bailed out, but his parachute failed to open.[56]
The spring proved to be a busy one; Johnson claimed three Fw 190s damaged two days later. On 11 and 13 May he destroyed an Fw 190 to reach ten individual air victories while sharing in the destruction of another on the later date and a Bf 109 on 1 June.[57] A further five victories against Fw 190s were achieved in June. Two were claimed on 15 June. On 17 June while leading the wing over Calais Johnson bounced one of JG 26's Gruppen led by Wilhelm-Ferdinand Galland. He shot down Unteroffizier Gunther Freitag, 8./JG 26 who was killed. On 24 June he claimed one destroyed and one damaged on and another victory on the 27th to bring his total to 15.[58][59]
Johnson scored more success in July. The USAAF began
The tactics proved successful in the Canadian wing. Johnson scored his 19th to 21st victories on 23 and 26 August, whilst claiming yet another Fw 190 on 4 September 1943. Johnson's 19th victory was gained against Oberfeldwebel (First-Sergeant) Erich Borounik 10./JG 26, who was killed.[62] Johnson's 21st victim, Oberfeldwebel Walter Grunlinger 10./JG 26, was also killed.[63]
Johnson's portrait is included in a montage of eighteen pilots painted by Olive Snell at RAF Westhampnett in 1943; it is now in the Goodwood collection on the same site.[64]
Normandy to the Rhine
In the lead up to the
Johnson's wing was the first to be stationed on French soil following the invasion. With their radius of action now far extended compared to the squadrons still in Britain, the wing scored heavily through the summer.[67] On 21 August 1944, Johnson was leading No. 443 Squadron on a patrol over the Seine, near Paris. Johnson bounced a formation of Focke-Wulf Fw 190s, shooting down two, which were recorded on the cine camera.[68] Climbing back to his starting point at 8,000 ft, Johnson attempted to join a formation of six aircraft, he thought were Spitfires. The fighters were actually Messerschmitt Bf 109s. Johnson escaped by doing a series of steep climbs, during which he nearly stalled and blacked out. He eventually evaded the Messerschmitts, which had been trying to flank him on either side, while two more stuck to his tail. Johnson's Spitfire IX was hit by enemy aircraft fire for the only time, taking cannon shells in the rudder and elevators.[69] Johnson had now equalled and surpassed Sailor Malan's record score of 32, shooting down two Fw 190s for his 32nd and 33rd air victories.[70] However Johnson considered Malan's exploits to be better. Johnson points out, when Malan fought (during 1940–41), he did so outnumbered, and had matched the enemy even then. Johnson said:
Malan had fought with great distinction when the odds were against him. He matched his handful of Spitfires against greatly superior numbers of Luftwaffe fighters and bombers. He had been forced to fight a defensive battle over southern England and often at a tactical disadvantage, when the top-cover Messerschmitts [Bf 109s and Bf 110s] were high in the sun. I had always fought on the offensive, and, after 1941, I had either a squadron, a wing or sometimes two wings behind me.[71]
In September 1944 Johnson's wing participated in support actions for Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands. On 27 September 1944, Johnson's last victory of the war was over Nijmegen. His flight bounced a formation of nine Bf 109s, one of which Johnson shot down. During this combat Squadron Leader Henry "Wally" McLeod, of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and his squadron had joined Johnson.[72] During this action McLeod went missing, possibly shot down by Siegfried Freytag of Jagdgeschwader 77 (Fighter Wing 77).[73]
The wing rarely saw enemy aircraft for the remainder of the year. Only on 1 January 1945 did the Germans appear in large numbers, during Operation Bodenplatte to support their faltering attack in the Ardennes. Johnson witnessed the German attack on his wing's airfield at Brussels–Melsbroek. He recalled the Germans seemed inexperienced and their shooting was "atrocious".[74] Johnson led a Spitfire patrol to prevent a second wave of German aircraft attacking but engaged no enemy aircraft, since there was no follow-up attack. From late January and through most of February, Johnson reduced his flying time.[74]
In March 1945, Johnson patrolled as
During the last week of the war, Johnson's squadron flew patrols over Berlin and Kiel as German resistance crumbled. During a flight over central Germany looking for jet fighters, Johnson's squadron attacked Luftwaffe airfields. On one sortie, his unit strafed and destroyed 11 Bf 109s that were preparing to take off.[75] On another sortie, an enemy transport was sighted, but took evasive action and retreated back to German held territory but Johnson's pilots shot it down. On another occasion, Johnson intercepted a flight of four Fw 190s. The German fighters, however, waggled their wings to signal non-hostile intent and Johnson's unit escorted them to an RAF airfield.[76]
After the German capitulation in May 1945, Johnson relocated with his unit to
Post-war
Johnson was given a permanent commission by the RAF after the war initially as a squadron leader, on promotion to wing commander (his wartime rank) becoming OC Tactics at the Central Fighter Establishment at RAF West Raynham in Norfolk.
Korean War and afterwards
During an exchange posting to the US Air Force, in 1950 he served in the Korean War flying the Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star, and later flew the North American F-86 Sabres with the US Air Force Tactical Air Command. Johnson did not leave any written record of his experiences but at the end of his tour received the US Air Medal and Legion of Merit.[77]
In 1951, Johnson commanded a wing at
In 1964 he published his book Full Circle, a history of air fighting, co-written with
Later life
Johnson was a deputy lieutenant for the County of Leicestershire in 1967.[80] He established the Johnnie Johnson Housing Trust. In 1969 and by 2001 the housing association managed over 4,000 properties.[79]
After the death of the WW2 RAF fighter pilot Douglas Bader in 1982, Johnson, Denis Crowley-Milling and Sir Hugh Dundas set up the Douglas Bader Foundation, to continue supporting disabled charities, of which Bader was a passionate supporter.[81]
Johnson was also the first to recognise the skills of Robert Taylor, aviation artist, in the 1980s. Depictions of aircraft and battle scenes in print began to become popular and he helped Taylor promote them. The venture was successful and Johnson's sons set up their own distribution networks in the United States and Britain.[79]
Johnson spent most of the 1980s and 1990s as a keynote speaker, fundraiser and spending time on his hobbies; travelling, fishing, shooting and walking his dogs.
Personal life
As a teenager, Johnson became fascinated by speed and joined the Melton Car Club with two boyhood friends. Johnson enjoyed the lifestyle of cars and "pacey women".
On 30 January 2001, Johnson, aged 85 years, died from cancer. A memorial service took place on 25 April 2001 at St Clement Danes and the hymns Jerusalem and I Vow to Thee, My Country were played.[88] His children scattered his ashes on the Chatsworth estate in Derbyshire. The only memorial was a bench dedicated to him at his favourite fishing spot on the Monsall Dale area of the estate; the inscription reads "In Memory of a Fisherman".[89]
List of air victories
Johnson's wartime record was 515 sorties flown, 34 aircraft claimed destroyed with a further seven shared destroyed (three and one shared victories), three probable destroyed, 10 damaged, and one shared, destroyed on the ground.
The ability to verify British claims against the British' main opponents in 1941 and 1942, JG 26 and JG 2, is very limited. Only two of the 30 volumes of War Diaries produced by JG 26 survived the war. Historian Donald Caldwell has attempted to use what limited German material is available to compare losses and air victory claims but acknowledges the lack of sources leave the possibility for error.[92]
A list of the 34 individual victories.[93]
Chronicle of aerial victories | |||||
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Claim No. | Date | Location | Flying | Aircraft type | Notes |
15 Jan 1941 | Spitfire IA K4477 | Dornier Do 17 half-share damaged | |||
1. | 26 June 1941 | Near North Coates | Spitfire IA K4477 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 | RAF Fighter Command claimed nine; JG 2 lost five and two pilots killed.[94] Johnson witnessed the pilot bail out.[95] Possibly the Bf 109F-2 (Werknummer 6759—factory number) flown by Unteroffizier Max Meindl of 4./JG 2. It seems as though Meindl was hit as Johnson was firing, as he attempted to bail out.[96] Meindl's death was confirmed the following day. [97] |
4 July 1941 | Gravelines | Spitfire IIA P7837 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 damaged | ||
2. | 6 July 1941 | South of Dunkirk | Spitfire IIA P7837 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 | RAF Fighter Command claimed 11; JG 26 reported two Bf 109s damaged.[98][99] |
3. | 14 July 1941 | Fauquembergues | Spitfire VB P8707 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 | Unteroffizier Robert Klienike, III./JG 26, missing.[41] According to the War Diary of JG 26, Klienike was confirmed to have been killed.[100] |
21 July 1941 | Merville, Nord | Spitfire IIA P7837 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 half-share "probable". | JG 26 claimed six for two losses—Heinrich Gleixner of II./JG 26. JG claimed five for one loss.[101] | |
23 July 1941 | 10 miles inland from Boulogne
|
Spitfire IIA P7837 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 damaged | ||
4. | 9 August 1941 | Over Béthune | Spitfire VB W3334 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 half-share Bf 109 destroyed |
RAF Fighter Command claimed 18; JG 26 lost two fighters.[102] JG 2 losses unknown. |
21 August 1941 | 10 miles east Le Touquet | Spitfire VB W3457 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 "probable" | ||
4 September 1941 | Le Touquet | Spitfire VB W3432 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 half-share "probable" | Fighter Command lost seven Spitfires and three damaged. JG 26 claimed 9 and JG 2 filed three claims. According to surviving German records no losses were sustained by any German unit.[103] | |
5–6. | 21 September 1941 | Near Le Touquet | Spitfire VB W3428 | Two Messerschmitt Bf 109s | According to the German diary JG 26 lost Leutnant Ulrich Dzialas shot down from 8./JG 26. JG 2 losses are unknown. JG 2 claimed 10 and JG 26 filed claims for another 15 victories. Fighter Command lost 12.[104] |
15 April 1942 | Le Touquet | Spitfire VB BM121 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 damaged | ||
7. | 19 August 1942 | Dieppe | Spitfire VB EP215 "DW-B" | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Fw 190 a half-share damaged third-share Bf 109F destroyed |
Claimed during patrol from 07:40 – 09:10, it is likely his opponents were from I./JG 26 which landed at 09:30.[105] Of the six pilot losses JG 26 suffered, times are unknown for three. In the Dieppe area Oberfeldwebel Werner Gerhardt 5 staffel was killed in Fw 190A-3 (Werknummer 538), code BK+3. Unteroffizier Heinrich von Berg was also killed in Fw 190A-3/U3 (Werknummer 2240). The third pilot flew a Bf 109; its pilot Johannes Schmidt was killed in Werknummer 14058.[106] The third share Bf 109 destroyed was with P/O Smith and F/S Creagh. JG 2 lost 15 Fw 190s with two pilots killed, six missing, and seven wounded. Among the casualties was Oberleutnant and Gruppenkommandeur Erich Leie who parachuted to safety after claiming his 42nd victory.[107] |
20 August 1942 | Off French Coast | Spitfire VB EP215 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 "probable" | ||
13 February 1943 | Near Boulogne | Spitfire IX EP121 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 "probable" | Part of 'Rodeo 168' flown by 11 Group; Four Spitfires lost in total. 610 Sqn lost one Spitfire in combat with 7.JG 2. RAF claimed 2–1–1. No Luftwaffe losses recorded, though two Fw 109s (of unspecified units) landed with combat damage during the day.[108] | |
8. | 3 April 1943 | Montreuil, Pas-de-Calais
|
Spitfire IX EN398 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 | First operation as Kenley Wing Leader, part of 'Ramrod 49' to bomb Abbeville airfield. Fw 190A-4 (Werknummer 2440) "Brown 5" of Unteroffizier Hans Hiess, 6./JG 26 (6 Staffel or Squadron) killed.[109] |
5 April 1943 | Ostend-Ghent area | Spitfire IX EN398 | Three Focke-Wulf Fw 190 damaged | B-17 escort. Combat probably versus I./JG 2 and/or II./JG 1.[110] | |
9. | 11 May 1943 | Gravelines | Spitfire IX EN398 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 | Circus 29 to the rail-yards at Outreau, escorting six B-25 Mitchell II bombers. Fw 190s led by Josef Priller engaged the wing. According to JG 26 records neither side scored.[111]
|
10. | 13 May 1943 | Berck-Le Touquet | Spitfire IX EN398 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 third-shared Fw 190 destroyed |
Fighter Command claimed 10. JG 26 lost 2. I./ No. 403 Squadron RCAF.[112] The 7-victory ace Otto "Stotto" Stammberger from 4./JG 26 was shot down by Spitfires on this date. His Fw 190 A-4, Werknummer 739 "White 9" was destroyed and Stammberger was injured when the parachute only partially opened. 6./JG 26's Unteroffizier Werner Lonsdorfer, in Werknummmer 2433 "Brown 13" was killed in action with Spitfires on this date also.[113]
|
11. | 14 May 1943 | Near Nieuwpoort. | Spitfire IX EN398 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 | Ramrod 71 escorting 88 B-17s. Opponents were from JG 1 and JG 26. JG 26 suffered 7 Fw 190s lost. One in a collision with a 611 Spitfire, three in action with American bombers and two in action with P-47 Thunderbolts. JG 1 were also in action against the bombers.[114]
|
1 June 1943 | Baie de Somme | Spitfire IX EN398 | Half-share Messerschmitt Bf 109 destroyed | Shared with F/O Bowen of No 403 Sqn. Running dogfight involving over 80 fighters versus I./JG 27 and II./JG 26 between Abbeville-St. Pol. Three claimed by Kenley Wing; I./JG 27 lost three 109s, including Gruppenkomandeur Hauptmann Erich Hohagen, who baled out injured.[115] | |
12–13. | 15 June 1943 | Yvetot | Spitfire IX EN398 | Two Focke-Wulf Fw 190s | The Kenley Wing claimed three; I./JG 2 lost two Fw 190s; one was Unteroffizier Karl Heinz Kürth, wounded and force landed his Fw 190A-5 (Werknummer 2355) on Bernay airfield.[116] |
14. | 17 June 1943 | Ypres-Saint-Omer | Spitfire IX EN398 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 | Fw 190A-5 (Werknummer 7308) "Black 9" of Unteroffizier Gunther Freitag, 8./JG 26. Crashed and killed at Steenvorde, Ypres, Flanders.[117] |
15. | 24 June 1943 | Fécamp-Valmont, Seine-Maritime | Spitfire IX EN398 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Fw 190 damaged |
Victim probably from Jafu 3's I./JG 2. |
16. | 27 June 1943 | St Omer | Spitfire IX EN398 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 | Freelance sweep over St. Omer by Hornchurch and Kenley Wings. RAF claimed one Fw 190 and two Bf 109s, but according to the JG 26 War Diary the Germans claimed no victories and claimed to have sustained no losses.[118] |
17. | 15 July 1943 | Senarpont | Spitfire IX EN398 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 | Johnson spotted a lone pair of Bf 109s, shooting down one. Possibly versus I./JG 27. |
18. | 25 July 1943 | Schipol
|
Spitfire IX EN398 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 | Victim probably from III./JG 54. The pilot was reported killed but the victim's identity is unknown. Pilot Officer Isbister and Flying Officer L. Foster watched the enemy aircraft dive pouring white smoke. Isbister said it began to break up and Foster saw it dive into some cloud at 3,000 feet and a short time later saw an aircraft burning on the ground in the same area. May possibly be either Unteroffizier Pfeiffe (baled out wounded), or Unteroffizier Werner Walther (killed).[119] |
29 July 1943 | Amsterdam | Spitfire IX EN398 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 damaged | ||
30 July 1943 | Axel Schipol | Spitfire IX EN398 | Half-share Messerschmitt Bf 109 destroyed | 'Ramrod 23' to Schipol. | |
12 August 1943 | Spitfire IX EN398 | Half-share Messerschmitt Bf 109 destroyed half-share Bf 109 damaged |
Versus 11 staffel, JG 26. The War Diary records no losses.[120] | ||
17 August 1943 | Ghent | Spitfire IX EN398 | Quarter-share Messerschmitt Bf 110 destroyed | ||
19. | 23 August 1943 | Gosnay | Spitfire IX EN398 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 | Oberfeldwebel Erich Borounik 10./JG 26 Killed in Fw 190A-5 "Black 12". The victory was recorded on Johnson's gun camera film.[62] |
20. | 26 August 1943 | Rouen | Spitfire IX MA573 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 | JG 26 War Diary has no entry for this date.[121] |
21. | 4 September 1943 | Roubaix | Spitfire IX MA573 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 | A Fw 190A-5 (Werknummer 57287) of Oberfeldwebel Walter Grünlinger, a 7-victory ace with 10./JG 26, killed.[63] |
5 September 1943 | Daynze area | Spitfire IX EN938 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 damaged | ||
22–23. | 25 April 1944 | Laon | Spitfire IXB MK392 | Two Focke-Wulf Fw 190s | Two victories witnessed by Pilot Officer Gomez and Flying Officer Stephens. Both saw the Fw 190s crash.[122]
|
24. | 5 May 1944 | Douai | Spitfire IXB MK392 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 | Among Johnson's opponents were III./JG 26. Feldwebel Horst Schwentick, in Fw 190A-8 (Werknummer 170116) "White 10", and Unteroffizier Manfred Talkenberg, who were both killed. Henry Wallace McLeod filed a claim and recorded the wreckage on his gun camera film over a field three miles east of Douai. Two more claims were made by Pilot Officer F.A.W.J. Wilson of 441 Squadron and Pilot Officer T.C. Gamey of the same unit. German records only record two losses. Johnson stated in his report that the Fw 190 pilot he shot down baled out.[65] |
25. | 16 June 1944 | Villers-Bocage, Somme | Spitfire IXB MK392 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 | Victory was recorded on gun camera film over an unidentified Fw 190.[123] |
26. | 22 June 1944 | Argentan | Spitfire IXB MK392 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 | Victory recorded on gun camera film over an unidentified Bf 109. 144 Wing claimed four destroyed. Opponents were from III./JG 26 and JG 2.[124] |
27–28. | 28 June 1944 | Caen | Spitfire IXB MK392 | Two Messerschmitt Bf 109s | Recorded on gun camera film over two unidentified Bf 109s 'fighter bombers' while leading No. 442 Sqn. on an armed reconnaissance.[125] 5. Jagd Division made a large effort in this area in support of German land defences during Operation Epsom. Around 24 Fw 190s and Bf 109s were lost. RAF fighters claimed 34, and 144 Wing as a whole claimed 25 destroyed outright, one 'probable' and 13 damaged. The Germans claimed five Spitfires and three American fighters. The action was so intense it is impossible to match up individual combats. III./JG 26 lost three Bf 109s shot down, including the Bf 109G-6 (Werknummer 165186) "Blue 10"; Leutnant Josef Menze, who was injured. The other two pilots baled out unhurt.[126] Ofhr. Helmut Schwartz-Arnyasy of Stab./JG 27, in Bf 109G-6 (Werknummer 163246) "<4+"was shot down and posted missing in action north west of Caen.[127] |
29. | 30 June 1944 | E Gace | Spitfire IXB NH380 | Messerschmitt Bf 109.[128] | |
30–31. | 5 July 1944 | Alençon | Spitfire IXB NH380 | Two Focke-Wulf Fw 190s | 144 Wing claimed four downed. Johnson's victims likely belonged to I./JG 11 (Fighter Wing 11).[129] Oberleutnant Heinz-Gerhard Vogt, a 28-victory ace, was shot down in this area in this battle. Vogt, of 7./JG 26, survived to be killed in action later in the year.[130] |
20 July 1944 | Argentan | Spitfire IXB MK392 | Focke-Wulf Fw 190 damaged | Probably the Fw 190A-8 (Werknummer 172682) "Yellow 11" of Unteroffizier Otto Stuckenbrock of 6./JG 1. He baled out over Allied territory and was taken prisoner.[131] | |
32–33. | 23 August 1944 | Senlis | Spitfire IXB NH382 | Two Focke-Wulf Fw 190s | 127 Wing claimed 12 destroyed (eight Fw 190s, four Bf 109s) for three losses.[132] I./JG 2, I./JG 11 and II./JG 26 were flying in the Paris area at that time (13:35 hours) and lost 10 Fw 190s, while III./JG 27 lost three Bf 109s. I./JG 2 lost four: Unteroffizier Kurt Dreissig unhurt, Fähnrich Hans Gunther killed, Hauptmann Siegfried Bogs killed and an unknown pilot. I./JG 11 lost Unteroffizier Karl Brunner unhurt, Leutnant Kurt Ebener captured, Leutnant Kurt Hubinek captured, Oberfähnrich Alfred Wittig and an unknown pilot. II./JG 26 lost Obergefreiter Heinz Nieter wounded (crashed on take-off). III./JG 27 lost Gefreiter Josef Steigenberger killed, Oberleutnant Dietrich Sponnagel unwounded, and Feldwebel Heinrich Eickhof killed.[133][134] |
34. | 27 September 1944 | Rees on Rhine | Spitfire IXB NH382 | Messerschmitt Bf 109 | Probably belonging to JG 77. McLeod lost in combat with Siegfried Freytag.[135] Unteroffizier Franz Mayer of 6./JG 77 was posted missing in Bf 109G-6 (Werknummer 163463) near Nijmegen. Unteroffizier Hans Röhrich from 5./JG 77 Bf 109 G-6 Werknummer 163506 was lost near Arnhem not far from Rees.[134][136] Also shot down that day was 5./JG 77 Staffelkapitän Franz Hrdlicka. He parachuted out over Bocholt, Germany, a few miles east of Rees.[137] |
References
Notes
- Marmaduke Pattle claimed more victories—around 50—but over half of his claims were made against the Italian Regia Aeronautica(Italian Royal Air Force).
Citations
- ^ Stradling 1965, p. 169.
- ^ Gazette & 36041.
- ^ Gazette & 36183.
- ^ Gazette & 36598.
- ^ Gazette & 35609.
- ^ Gazette & 36335.
- ^ Gazette & 39236.
- ^ Price 1997, p. 119.
- ^ a b Shores & Williams 1994, p. 358.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 306.
- ^ a b Sarkar 2011, p. 14.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 11, 13.
- ^ a b Sarkar 2011, p. 11.
- ^ a b Johnson 2000, pp. 16–17.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 45.
- ^ a b Sarkar 2011, p. 16.
- ^ Johnson 2000, pp. 17–18.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 17.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 16–17.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 18.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 20.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 21.
- ^ a b Sarkar 2011, p. 26.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 29.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 46.
- ^ Johnson 2000, pp. 30–31.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 31.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 32.
- ^ Johnson 2000, pp. 47–48.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 48.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 39.
- ^ a b c Sarkar 2011, p. 43.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 47.
- ^ Delve 2007, pp. 58–59.
- ^ Stokes 1983, pp. 59–60.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 50.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 66.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 55–56.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 55.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 61.
- ^ a b Sarkar 2011, p. 63.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 65–67.
- ^ Johnson 2000, pp. 112–113.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 74.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 74–77.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 84.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 86–89.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 90.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 91–93.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 98.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 100–104.
- ^ Franks 2010, pp. 73–76.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 114.
- ^ a b Sarkar 2011, pp. 115–117.
- ^ Johnson 2000, pp. 152–153.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 120–123.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 136–146.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 147–158.
- ^ Caldwell 2012b, p. 102.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 159–167.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 130.
- ^ a b Sarkar 2011, p. 182.
- ^ a b Sarkar 2011, p. 184.
- ^ "Goodwood - Flying Colours". Goodwood. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
- ^ a b Sarkar 2011, pp. 210–212.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 242, 246.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 251.
- ^ Johnson 2000, pp. 261–263.
- ^ Johnson 2000, pp. 263–265.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 242.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 245.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 273.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 275.
- ^ a b c Sarkar 2011, pp. 276–284.
- ^ Johnson 2000, pp. 306–308.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 310.
- ^ a b c d e f Sarkar 2011, p. 285.
- ^ Stradling 1965, p. 168.
- ^ a b c Sarkar 2011, p. 294.
- ^ Gazette & 44407.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 298.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 294–295.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 235–237, 303.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 106–109.
- ^ Johnson 2000, p. 149.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 275.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 301.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 303.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 303–304.
- ^ Price 1995, pp. 34, 36, 38, 89, 92.
- ^ Shores 2004 (Vol. 1), p. 31.
- ^ Caldwell 1996, p. iv.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 305–306.
- ^ Caldwell 1996, p. 141.
- ^ National Archives, Kew AIR 50/402, Wg Cdr J E Johnson Combat Reports, January 1941 – September 1944: Report for 26 June 1941.
- ^ The Kracker Luftwaffe Archive: Axis Powers Pilots and Crew Retrieved: 17 October 2014.
- ^ Prien et al. 2003, p. 442.
- ^ Caldwell 1996, p. 147.
- ^ National Archives, Kew AIR 50/402, Wg Cdr J E Johnson Combat Reports, January 1941 – September 1944: Report for 6 July 1941.
- ^ Caldwell 1996, p. 151.
- ^ Caldwell 1996, p. 154.
- ^ Caldwell 1996, p. 163.
- ^ Caldwell 1996, pp. 172–173.
- ^ Caldwell 1996, pp. 179–180.
- ^ Caldwell 1996, p. 272.
- ^ Caldwell 1996, p. 279.
- ^ Franks 1997, p. 237.
- ^ Caldwell 1998, p. 27.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 123.
- ^ Caldwell 2012b, p. 44.
- ^ Caldwell 1998, p. 54.
- ^ Caldwell 1998, p. 58.
- ^ Caldwell 1998, p. 57.
- ^ Caldwell 1998, pp. 57–58.
- ^ Caldwell 2012b, p. 97.
- ^ Caldwell 2012b, p. 101.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 150.
- ^ Caldwell 1998, p. 112.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 162.
- ^ Caldwell 1998, p. 132.
- ^ Caldwell 2012b, pp. 143–144.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 206–207.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 235.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 237.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 241.
- ^ Caldwell 1998, pp. 292–293.
- ^ Prien, Rodeike & Stemmer 1998, p. 527.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 242.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, p. 246.
- ^ Weal 2011, p. 95.
- ^ The Kracker Luftwaffe Archive: Axis Powers Pilots and Crew Retrieved: 17 October 2014
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 266, 268.
- ^ 127 Wing Operations: Wednesday 23 August 1944 Archived 22 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved: 27 December 2014
- ^ a b Caldwell 2012b, p. 332.
- ^ Sarkar 2011, pp. 272–273.
- ^ Prien 1995, pp. 2165–2166.
- ^ Prien 1995, p. 2165.
Bibliography
- Caldwell, Donald L. (1996). The JG 26 War Diary: Volume One 1939–1942. London, UK: Grubstreet. ISBN 978-1-898697-52-7.
- Caldwell, Donald L. (1998). The JG 26 War Diary: Volume Two 1943–1945. London: Grub Street. ISBN 978-1-898697-86-2.
- Caldwell, Donald L. (2012b). The JG 26 Luftwaffe Fighter Wing War Diary, Volume Two: 1943–45. London: Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-1147-0.
- Delve, Kevin (2007). Fighter Command 1936–1968: An Operational & Historical Record. Barnsley: Pen & Sword. ISBN 978-1844156139.
- ISBN 978-0-7183-0396-9.
- ISBN 978-1-8986-9774-9.
- Johnson, J. E. (2000) [1956]. Wing Leader (Fighter Pilots). London: Goodall Publications Ltd. ISBN 978-0-907579-87-8.
- ISBN 978-1-85532-575-3.
- ISBN 978-1-85532-635-4.
- Prien, Jochen (1995). Geschichte des Jagdgeschwaders 77—Teil 4—1944–1945 [History of Jagdgeschwader 77—Volume 4—1944–1945] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-29-8.
- Prien, Jochen; Rodeike, Peter; Stemmer, Gerhard (1998). Messerschmitt Bf 109 im Einsatz bei Stab und I./Jagdgeschwader 27 1939 – 1945 [Messerschmitt Bf 109 in Action with the Headquarters Unit and I./Jagdgeschwader 27 in 1939 – 1945] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-46-5.
- Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Rodeike, Peter; Bock, Winfried (2003). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 5—Heimatverteidigung—10. Mai 1940 bis 31 Dezember 1941—Einsatz im Mittelmeerraum—Oktober 1940 bis November 1941—Einsatz im Westen—22. Juni bis 31. Dezember 1941—Die Ergänzungsjagdgruppen—Einsatz 1941 bis zur Auflösung Anfang 1942 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 5—Defense of the Reich—10 May 1940 to 31 December 1941—Action in the Mediterranean Theater—October 1940 to November 1941—Action in the West—22 June to 31 December 1941—The Supplementary Fighter Groups—Action from 1941 until their Breakup in Early 1942] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-68-7.
- Sarkar, Dilip (2011). Spitfire Ace of Aces: The True Wartime Story of Johnnie Johnson. Amberley Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4456-0475-6.
- Shores, Christopher F.; Williams, Clive (1994). Aces High. London: Grub Street. ISBN 978-1-898697-00-8.
- Stokes, Doug (1983). Paddy Finucane, Fighter Ace: A Biography of Wing Commander Brendan E. Finucane, D.S.O., D.F.C. and Two Bars. London: William Kimber & Co. Ltd. ISBN 978-0-947554-22-4).
- Stradling, A. H. (1965). "The Royal Air Forces Quarterly". 5 (4). Royal Air Force Quarterly Association. )
- Weal, John (2011). Fw 190 Defence of the Reich Aces. Oxford, UK: ISBN 978-1-84603-482-4.
- "No. 36041". The London Gazette (Supplement). 1 June 1943. p. 2565.
- "No. 36183". The London Gazette (Supplement). 21 September 1943. p. 4245.
- "No. 36598". The London Gazette (Supplement). 4 July 1944. p. 3185.
- "No. 35609". The London Gazette. 23 June 1942. p. 2817.
- "No. 36335". The London Gazette. 25 May 1951. p. 2876.
- "No. 39236". The London Gazette (Supplement). 14 January 1944. p. 359.
- "No. 44407". The London Gazette. 14 September 1967. p. 9975.
Further reading
- Caldwell, Donald L. (2012a). The JG 26 Luftwaffe Fighter Wing War Diary, Volume One: 1939–42. London: Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-1077-0.
- Johnson, J.E. Courage in the Skies (1992). London: Random House. ISBN 0-7529-0415-9.
- Johnson, J.E. (2001). Full Circle: The Story of Air Fighting. London: Cassell Military Classics. (original edition 1964). ISBN 0-304-35860-6.
- Johnson, J.E. and P.B. Lucas. Glorious Summer: The Story of the Battle of Britain. London: Stanley Paul, 1990. ISBN 0-09-174439-3.
- Johnson, J.E. and P.B. Lucas. Winged Victory: A Last Look Back – The Personal Reflections of Two Royal Air Force Leaders. London: Hutchinson, 1995. ISBN 0-09-178697-5.
- Ledet, Michel (July 2001). ""Johnnie" Johnson, le roi du Spitfire" ["Johnnie" Johnson, King of the Spitfire]. Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire (in French) (100): 67–71. ISSN 1243-8650.
- Morieult, Yves (October 2001). "Courrier des Lecteurs" [Readers' Letters]. Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire (in French) (103): 5. ISSN 1243-8650.
- Sarkar, Dilip (2002). Johnnie Johnson- Spitfire Top Gun. London: Ramrod Publications. ISBN 978-0-9550431-6-1.
External links
- A period newspaper biography of AVM Johnson
- Times obituary Archived 26 March 2018 at the Wayback Machine
- Biography Archived 1 August 2018 at the Wayback Machine
- Imperial War Museum Interview