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Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 670

The Observer's and Air Gunner's Flying Log Book and archive apertaining to Sergeant N. R. Johnston, Royal Air Force, who was killed in action on 27 August 1940 when his Whitley of No. 10 Squadron was shot down on a sortie to bomb the Sesto Calande aircraft factory, Milan

Royal Air Force Observer's and Air Gunner's Flying Log Book (Form 1767), used by '580546 Sgt. N. R. Johnston', generally very fine

Norman Reid Johnston was born on 21 June 1915 at Highgate, London and was the son of Matthew and Ivy of Blackpool, Lancashire. A radio engineer by trade, he enlisted in the Royal Air Force on 28 November 1938. Having trained in Ansons, he qualified in astronomical navigation and was serving with No. 10 Squadron upon the outbreak of the Second World War. Johnston flew a security patrol around Bokrum-Norderny, whilst his first bombing Op was on 18 April 1940 to the Fornebo Aerodrome. A repeat mission followed on 30 April, with a reconnaissance Op over the Oslo Fiord on 23 April. He thence flew a plethora of Ops, including the marshalling yard at Hamm (19 June), the aluminium works at Ichendorf (20 June) and the explosives factory at Hoch (28 June). The last of his 30 Ops was flown on 26-27 August, taking off at 2007hrs from Harwell to bomb the Sesto Calande aircraft factory near Milan, when their last wireless message came back at 0140hrs, they were shot down over Arese. Johnston is buried in the Milan War Cemetery; sold together with his Certificate of Service and Discharge, letters related to his loss and confirmation of death, RAF Identity Card, annotated 'not to be taken over enemy territory', ticket for the unveiling of the Battle of Britain Memorial and layout of stained glass windows, besides newspaper cutting related to their loss.

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Sold for
£290

Starting price
£200