Bio / Text:
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Aged 22, Reginald Bernard Johnson joined the RAFVR about May 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot and carried out his elementary flying at 22 E&RFTS Cambridge. Called up at the outbreak of war, Johnson did his intermediate and advanced flying at 10 FTS Ternhill on No. 16 Course, which ran from 6th November 1939 to 11th May 1940.
He joined 222 Squadron at Duxford direct from 10 FTS. On 3rd September 1940 Johnson baled out over Burham, having developed a glycol leak on a routine patrol, slightly injured. His Spitfire, L1010, crashed at Lower Raypits, Canewdon.
He baled out again on 14th September after being damaged in combat with Me109's. His Spitfire, X4249, crashed south of Cockhide Farm, Avely.
In February 1941 Johnson was posted to 52 OTU Debden as an instructor. He went on a course at CFS Upavon in July 1941.
Commissioned from Warrant Officer in June 1942, Johnson instructed at 9 FTS Hullavington, 22 EFTS Cambridge, RAF Watchfield and at 3 EFTS Shellingford.
He was released from the RAF in 1945 as a Flight Lieutenant.
Johnson died in 1992.
