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'It was just part of the career': veteran pilot living in Surbiton's story as the RAF turns 100

Surbiton.com: April 1, 2018 - 5:45am

Marking 100 years since the RAF was formed, Surbiton care home resident and Second World War pilot Phillip Johnson has shared his story.

Mr Johnson, who lives at The Royal Star and Garter home with other veterans and their partners with disability or dementia, joined the RAF on his eighteenth birthday. After intense Spitfire pilot training in the UK and Africa, he was flown to Malta and joined 185 Squadron. The squadron moved to Italy in 1944, and operated as a fighter-bomber unit supporting the Allied advance northwards.

In early 1945, Mr Johnson was posted back to the UK and joined 174 Squadron, helping with the air offensive over Germany – meaning he had to retrain to fly the Hawker Typhoon, with its temperamental engine.

Mr Johnson met his future wife Doreen, a mechanic in the WAAF, through the air force. The pair shared 66 years of marriage together.

Mr Johnson moved to The Royal Star and Garter Home in June 2017, just before turning 94, when he began finding it difficult to live by himself.

Last Remembrance Day, he wore his medals for the first time in his life.

Read more: 
http://www.surreycomet.co.uk/news/kingston/16130798.__39_It_was_just_part_of_the...

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