Unit/ Formation: RM Airmen
Location: Calais and Rotterdam
Period/ Conflict: World War II
Year: 1940
Date/s: 04 August 1940
Timothy Armstrong JOHNSTON RM and Acting Sub-Lieutenant (A) R C Eborn, RN: missing presumed dead when aircraft failed to return from air operations, 4 August 1940; body washed ashore in Holland assumed to be that of Johnston, likely caused by flak damage.
On completion of training as an Observer, Johnston had been posted to 812 Squadron. This squadron was the pioneer F.A.A squadron working under R.A.F Coastal Command.
From May 1940 until March 1941 they operated with Swordfish fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks in the rear cockpit and carrying a crew of only two. Their targets were usually oil tanks at Calais and invasion barges at Rotterdam.
Read about the Royal Marines & FAA Battle of Britain Pilots here