Newspaper Article

Obituary: Johnnie Johnson: Second world war fighter ace credited with more enemy 'kills' than any other British pilot

Gunston, Bill

2001

Overview

In 1937, \"[Johnnie Johnson]\" Johnson tried to join the Auxiliary Air Force (AAF). On hearing that he came from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, the interviewing officer said, \"My dear chap, you're just the type. Which hunt do you follow?\" When Johnnie said he did not even ride a horse, he was promptly shown the door. Little did that interviewing officer think he had just rejected the man who, in the second world war, would shoot down more of the enemy than any other pilot in the RAF - and without ever being shot down himself. By May 1941, [Douglas Bader]'s wing was taking the offensive over France, and Johnson began to learn his trade in actual combat. A month later, 616 was badly \"bounced\" over Gravelines. Johnson found himself alone, and suddenly saw a Messerschmitt 109 in front of him. Unlike most RAF pilots, Johnson hit with his first burst. He saw the pilot bail out. From then on, there was no stopping him. In mid-September he was promoted to flight lieutenant and given command of B Flight. Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris, chairman of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, writes: Johnnie Johnson's performance was even more creditable because he largely missed the Battle of Britain and won his \"kills\" in fighter-to-fighter combat rather than against heavy bombers. If they numbered less than the German fighter aces this was because the Germans included their hits against the less-skilled Russians. Johnnie's kills were hard-earned, but then Johnnie had the two skills needed to be successful: he was a good shot and a good pilot. Lots of people were good pilots, but Johnnie was also a good shot - gifted in the art of deflection shooting. Before the war he had been a game-shooter, a sort of \"Lincolnshire poacher\".

• Publisher: Guardian News & Media Limited
• Subject: Deaths / Johnson, Johnnie / Pilots / World War II