A scarce Second War Spitfire Pilot’s casualty group of five awarded to Flight Sergeant D. E. Johnston, Royal Australian Air Force, attached 616 Squadron, Royal Air Force, who was killed in a flying accident 1 April 1944, having been scrambled and vectored towards the Isle of Wight

1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Australia Service Medal, all officially impressed (412550 D E Johnston) generally good very or better (5) £400-500

Donald Edward Johnston was born in Henley Beach, South Australia, in August 1922. He was a student in Adelaide, before being employed as an Electrical Engineer. He enlisted for service as Aircrew in the Royal Australian Air Force, at Sydney, in October 1940. Johnston was sent to Rhodesia for training, and was promoted to the rank of Temporary Sergeant re-mustering as Airman Pilot, 23 October 1942.

Promoted Temporary Flight Sergeant, Johnston embarked for the UK for additional training prior to posting. Having served at No. 53 O.T.U., he was posted for operational flying to 610 Squadron (Spitfires), Bolt Head, in September 1943. This posting was short-lived, and he moved on to 131 Squadron later the same month. Still operating in Spitfires, he flew with the Squadron for two months before finding more permanent roots with 616 Squadron (Spitfires), Exeter, 20 November 1943. The latter were mainly tasked with convoy patrols, sweeps and escorts, and on 1 April 1944, ‘F.O. Clegg and F/Sgt D. E. Johnston (R.A.A.F.) were scrambled and vectored towards Isle of Wight. Section were lost when flying through 10/10 8000 to 21000 feet and Clegg returned to base alone. Later it was confirmed that F/Sgt. Johnston was killed when he crashed near Tangmere.’ (Squadron Operations Record Book, refers)

Johnston is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking.

Sold with card box of issue for campaign awards, addressed to ‘Mrs. E. Johnston, 33 Stattenborough St., Leabrook. S.A.’; copied research and other ephemera.