Full name and no of Sgt Johnson, 255 Sqn

[phasselgren]

Hi,

I hope someone can help me with the full name and service no of the pilot Sgt Johnson No.255 Squadron 1941. Together with Air Gunner Sgt Robert Thomas Aitchison, RNZAF, he claimed a destroyed He 111 on the night 7/8 May 1941.

According to Those Other Eagles by Christopher Shores his name was Peter Lister Johnson, RAF No 1237469 and he made the claim flying a Hurricane (also adding a damaged) but in the ORB his initials are S.F. and the claim was made in Defiant with Air Gunner Sgt R T Aitchison. I enclose a copy of his signed Combat Report for experts on handwriting.

Thanks in advance,
Peter

[RSwank]

There was a WO from the 255 sqn who died on 1 Sept 1942. His name was Stanley Joseph Johnson, number 754519. Looking at the handwriting, I think it is "possible" the 2nd letter is a "stylized" J not an F. Just a guess.

http://www.cwgc.org/search-for-war-d...ANLEY%20JOSEPH

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

31/8-1/9-1942
No.255 Squadron
Beaufighter VIF X7943:YD-P

Took off from Honiley on ground-controlled interception exercise in co-operation with radar station "GERTRUDE", located near Pershore. Just after midnight, the GCI exercise concluded, the aircraft suddenly plunged vertically from 13,000ft into the ground near Snitterfield, Warwickshire, and exploded.

754519 W/O (Pilot) Stanley Joseph JOHNSON RAFVR +
1394363 Sgt (Obs./W.Op.) Roy Fairmead ELLIS RAFVR +

See: FlyPast. May,1984 (No.34) pp.14-15.
Aviation Archaeology. by Peter Moran.

Col.

[phasselgren]

Hi,

Thank you for the replies.

Stanley Joseph Johnson is a possible candidate. According to the ORB he joined 255 Sqn from 409 Sqn on the 17th March 1942.

The original Sgt Johnson was still a member of 255 Sqn on the 31st July 1941 but I cannot find any information about a transfer to another unit in August. He crashed in a Magister with Sgt R T Aitchison as a passenger whilst flying from Hibaldstow to Kirton on the 24th July. Engine cut but both were uninjured.

Regards,
Peter