The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R K H Johnson

Richard Kenneth Howard Johnson of Belper, Derbyshire, was born on 22nd February 1918, the son of Howard and Annie Lizzie Johnson.

He joined the RAFVR about October 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training and joined 235 Squadron in mid-October 1940.

Commissioned in July 1941, Johnson was awarded the DFC (gazetted 7th July 1944), as an Acting Squadron Leader with 272 Squadron.

He was killed on 31st January 1945, aged 25, as an Acting Wing Commander with 272.

Beaufighter X NV570 dived into the sea whilst recovering from a dive during a Rocket Projectile firing practice. P/O Harold Roe was also lost.

Johnson is commemorated on the Malta Memorial.