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Wing Leader: The Top Scoring Allied Fighter Pilot of WWII
Johnnie Johnson joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1939 as a week-end flier, and finished the war as the top-scoring Allied fighter pilot with 38 confirmed victories. WING LEADER is his account of the Battle of Britain, of the bitter fighting over Dieppe, and of the final battle across the skies of France and over the Rhine when, as a group captain, he commanded a British wing of the latest and most powerful Spitfires. "WING LEADER is a magnificent story of fighter pilots--so graphic in its description of aerial combat, so sympathetic in its portraits of fighting men that it will rank with the finest books which have come out of the war." (B-O-T Editorial Review Board)
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1956
158 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Johnson
14 books4 followersAir Vice Marshal James Edgar Johnson, CB, CBE, DSO & Two Bars, DFC & Bar, nicknamed "Johnnie", was a Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot and flying ace—defined as a pilot that has shot down five or more enemy aircraft in aerial combat—who flew and fought during the Second World War.
Johnson grew up and was educated in the East Midlands, where he qualified as an engineer. He served as an Assistant Engineer at Ilkeston and latterly to the Chigwell Urban District Council at Loughton. A sportsman, Johnson broke his collarbone while playing rugby, an injury that later complicated his ambitions of becoming a fighter pilot. Johnson had been interested in aviation since his youth and applied to join the RAF. He was initially rejected, first on social, and then on medical grounds; he was eventually accepted in August 1939. The injury problems, however, returned during his early training and flying career, resulting in him missing the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain between May and October 1940.
In 1940 Johnson had an operation to reset his collarbone, and began flying regularly. He took part in the offensive sweeps over German-occupied Europe from 1941 to 1944, almost without rest. Johnson was involved in heavy aerial fighting during this period. His combat tour included participation in the Dieppe Raid, Combined Bomber Offensive, Battle of Normandy, Operation Market Garden,the Battle of the Bulge and the Western Allied invasion of Germany. Johnson progressed to the rank of group captain by the end of the war.
Johnson was credited with 34 individual victories over enemy aircraft, as well as seven shared victories, three shared probable, 10 damaged, three shared damaged and one destroyed on the ground.[7][8] Johnson flew 700 operational sorties and engaged enemy aircraft on 57 occasions.[9] Included in his list of individual victories were 14 Messerschmitt Bf 109s and 20 Focke-Wulf Fw 190s destroyed making him the most successful RAF ace against the Fw 190. This score made him the highest scoring Western Allied fighter ace against the German Luftwaffe.
Johnson continued his career in the RAF after the war, and served in the Korean War before retiring in 1966 with the rank of air vice marshal. He maintained an interest in aviation and did public speaking on the subject as well as entering into the business of aviation art. Johnnie Johnson remained active until his death from cancer in 2001.
Johnson grew up and was educated in the East Midlands, where he qualified as an engineer. He served as an Assistant Engineer at Ilkeston and latterly to the Chigwell Urban District Council at Loughton. A sportsman, Johnson broke his collarbone while playing rugby, an injury that later complicated his ambitions of becoming a fighter pilot. Johnson had been interested in aviation since his youth and applied to join the RAF. He was initially rejected, first on social, and then on medical grounds; he was eventually accepted in August 1939. The injury problems, however, returned during his early training and flying career, resulting in him missing the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain between May and October 1940.
In 1940 Johnson had an operation to reset his collarbone, and began flying regularly. He took part in the offensive sweeps over German-occupied Europe from 1941 to 1944, almost without rest. Johnson was involved in heavy aerial fighting during this period. His combat tour included participation in the Dieppe Raid, Combined Bomber Offensive, Battle of Normandy, Operation Market Garden,the Battle of the Bulge and the Western Allied invasion of Germany. Johnson progressed to the rank of group captain by the end of the war.
Johnson was credited with 34 individual victories over enemy aircraft, as well as seven shared victories, three shared probable, 10 damaged, three shared damaged and one destroyed on the ground.[7][8] Johnson flew 700 operational sorties and engaged enemy aircraft on 57 occasions.[9] Included in his list of individual victories were 14 Messerschmitt Bf 109s and 20 Focke-Wulf Fw 190s destroyed making him the most successful RAF ace against the Fw 190. This score made him the highest scoring Western Allied fighter ace against the German Luftwaffe.
Johnson continued his career in the RAF after the war, and served in the Korean War before retiring in 1966 with the rank of air vice marshal. He maintained an interest in aviation and did public speaking on the subject as well as entering into the business of aviation art. Johnnie Johnson remained active until his death from cancer in 2001.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 2, 2024
The title says it all. Very British with the stiff upper lip and all that.
December 12, 2017
Here is J.E. Johnson's own story of his experiences flying Spitfires with Royal Air Force (RAF) Fighter Command against the Luftwaffe between 1940 and 1945. The reader will feel totally immersed in this story, right inside the cockpit with Johnson as he leads fighter sweeps over Occupied Europe, uncertain as to whether he would live to fight another day upon tangling with the enemy.
February 4, 2024
Another in a set of recommended books I learned about from the We Have Ways of Making You Talk, SWW podcast on pilot memoirs.
The prior books I read were:
* The Big Show: The Classic Account of WWII Aerial Combat - a French pilot in the RAF who flew mostly Typhoons with many air-air victories
* First Light: The True Story of the Boy Who Became a Man in the War-Torn Skies above Britain - A British pilot who flew Spitfires 1940-42 before breaking down physically and mentally
* Messerschmitts Over Sicily: Diary of a Luftwaffe Fighter Commander - Account of a tiring few weeks of combat with limited resources from the German perspective.
J.E. Johnson was exclusively an RAF Spitfire pilot who started action in late 1940 after the Battle Of Britain. He rose to become wing commander and survived the war in apparently fine form. He had numerous victories and participated in Dieppe, D-Day, Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, Operation Varsity and finally the last days of the war in northern Germany.
Easily well over 200 missions, often multiple per day. He shot down over 30 Luftwaffe planes, Me 109s and FW-190s. He was never shot down although his plane was hit more than once.
In 1940 and 41, he was Douglas Bader's wingman and learned his trade from that master of aerial combat (as well as how to lead a unit).
So, what makes this book different than the others and why would one read it?
Because Johnson became a squadron and then wing commander, he was forced to think about tactics beyond a four plane flight. Hence, the reader gets an insight into larger scale tactics on how to best engage the enemy. Just throwing up multi-wing formations to tangle with the large Luftwaffe formations over NW France was not the answer and the reader learns why.
Johnson is also candid about the relative strengths and weaknesses of each Spitfire Mark versus the state of the opponent's fighters and how advantage see-sawed over the months and years.
Unlike Wellum's book, where a lot of time was spent on his experiences learning to fly and becoming a trained fighter pilot, Johnson dispenses with this in a single chapter or two. And while Johnson rues the losses of friends, this somehow doesn't seem to affect him as he gets on with the job which was (mostly) to shoot down German fighters.
There are many chapters detailing specific (to Johnson) memorable actions including one on how the squadron would look after their mates when they baled out into the Channel, waiting for the Walrus air-sea rescue plane to arrive.
One thing about the Spitfire was that it had a short range so escort missions of tactical bombing by Bostons and the like were limited in duration. Same with fighter sweeps to entice the Luftwaffe to fight a battle of attrition. This may have helped Johnson's chances at longevity. The heavy cloud cover over NW Europe and Britain also hindered operational tempo and helped squadrons rest. And, as the war wore on, the quality of German pilots declined compared to 1940-42.
The D-Day chapter was good as we don't often read about this from the RAF Spitfire perspective. After Normandy, his unit forward deployed to advance bases in order to keep up with the advancing ground troops. There are some amusing anecdotes over forward base life and antics.
There was another interesting chapter on the surprise German air raid of January 1, 1945 that caught the Allied air forces on the ground, destroying hundreds of aircraft. Johnson was there to witness it - a story not often told (it shows up in Closterman's book too). The end of the war is dealt with with several personal anecdotes, including a realization that certain risks were no longer worth taking.
Along the way, Johnson describes his fellow pilots and he has an especial respect for the RCAF pilots that he commanded. Many personalities and often vividly portrayed. You also get first hand accounts of meetings with senior RAF leaders over tactics and deployments - Johnson was no shrinking wallflower.
Who should read this?
- Fans of the Spitfire
- SWW afficionados who like personal, well-written accounts of the air war in Europe
- Folks curious about what it was like to be an RAF fighter pilot who flew so many missions yet survived the war.
It is not a seat-of-your-trousers thriller but because his war career lasted (including training) five (5) years and his perspective changes as he rises in rank and responsibility. A SWW history buff will find plenty to enjoy here. But, if you want a book that goes into the inner thoughts and fears of a Spitfire pilot, read the Wellums book.
As I write this review, "Masters of the Air" has just debuted on Apple TV+ (B-17 crews starting in summer 1943) so reading this book is "Masters-of the Air adjacent" as they would say in 2024.
Many photos, no maps. (You may want to consult a map of RAF airbases like Tangmere)
The prior books I read were:
* The Big Show: The Classic Account of WWII Aerial Combat - a French pilot in the RAF who flew mostly Typhoons with many air-air victories
* First Light: The True Story of the Boy Who Became a Man in the War-Torn Skies above Britain - A British pilot who flew Spitfires 1940-42 before breaking down physically and mentally
* Messerschmitts Over Sicily: Diary of a Luftwaffe Fighter Commander - Account of a tiring few weeks of combat with limited resources from the German perspective.
J.E. Johnson was exclusively an RAF Spitfire pilot who started action in late 1940 after the Battle Of Britain. He rose to become wing commander and survived the war in apparently fine form. He had numerous victories and participated in Dieppe, D-Day, Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, Operation Varsity and finally the last days of the war in northern Germany.
Easily well over 200 missions, often multiple per day. He shot down over 30 Luftwaffe planes, Me 109s and FW-190s. He was never shot down although his plane was hit more than once.
In 1940 and 41, he was Douglas Bader's wingman and learned his trade from that master of aerial combat (as well as how to lead a unit).
So, what makes this book different than the others and why would one read it?
Because Johnson became a squadron and then wing commander, he was forced to think about tactics beyond a four plane flight. Hence, the reader gets an insight into larger scale tactics on how to best engage the enemy. Just throwing up multi-wing formations to tangle with the large Luftwaffe formations over NW France was not the answer and the reader learns why.
Johnson is also candid about the relative strengths and weaknesses of each Spitfire Mark versus the state of the opponent's fighters and how advantage see-sawed over the months and years.
Unlike Wellum's book, where a lot of time was spent on his experiences learning to fly and becoming a trained fighter pilot, Johnson dispenses with this in a single chapter or two. And while Johnson rues the losses of friends, this somehow doesn't seem to affect him as he gets on with the job which was (mostly) to shoot down German fighters.
There are many chapters detailing specific (to Johnson) memorable actions including one on how the squadron would look after their mates when they baled out into the Channel, waiting for the Walrus air-sea rescue plane to arrive.
One thing about the Spitfire was that it had a short range so escort missions of tactical bombing by Bostons and the like were limited in duration. Same with fighter sweeps to entice the Luftwaffe to fight a battle of attrition. This may have helped Johnson's chances at longevity. The heavy cloud cover over NW Europe and Britain also hindered operational tempo and helped squadrons rest. And, as the war wore on, the quality of German pilots declined compared to 1940-42.
The D-Day chapter was good as we don't often read about this from the RAF Spitfire perspective. After Normandy, his unit forward deployed to advance bases in order to keep up with the advancing ground troops. There are some amusing anecdotes over forward base life and antics.
There was another interesting chapter on the surprise German air raid of January 1, 1945 that caught the Allied air forces on the ground, destroying hundreds of aircraft. Johnson was there to witness it - a story not often told (it shows up in Closterman's book too). The end of the war is dealt with with several personal anecdotes, including a realization that certain risks were no longer worth taking.
Along the way, Johnson describes his fellow pilots and he has an especial respect for the RCAF pilots that he commanded. Many personalities and often vividly portrayed. You also get first hand accounts of meetings with senior RAF leaders over tactics and deployments - Johnson was no shrinking wallflower.
Who should read this?
- Fans of the Spitfire
- SWW afficionados who like personal, well-written accounts of the air war in Europe
- Folks curious about what it was like to be an RAF fighter pilot who flew so many missions yet survived the war.
It is not a seat-of-your-trousers thriller but because his war career lasted (including training) five (5) years and his perspective changes as he rises in rank and responsibility. A SWW history buff will find plenty to enjoy here. But, if you want a book that goes into the inner thoughts and fears of a Spitfire pilot, read the Wellums book.
As I write this review, "Masters of the Air" has just debuted on Apple TV+ (B-17 crews starting in summer 1943) so reading this book is "Masters-of the Air adjacent" as they would say in 2024.
Many photos, no maps. (You may want to consult a map of RAF airbases like Tangmere)
December 31, 2024
Johnson was just a humble volunteer in the Auxilliaries after the war started - nothing special. He worked his way through the ranks by demonstrating - above his courage and determination - great leadership. He recognised early on that aerial warfare had moved on from the days of the lone wolf, and that it was about team-work. Although he was the highest-scoring RAF pilot of WWII he never made a big thing of it, emphasising that it really was a team effort, and that much is evident from all of his accounts of combat. What makes this account doubly interesting is that he talks about tactics, the change in tempo and objectives at various points in the war (including ground attack), as well as giving the views of a very senior operational officer. He even explains why British ground-attack aircraft were not used in operational support during operation Market Garden (Arnhem). This is a must-read for anyone wanting to know the real story of WWII aerial combat.
April 2, 2023
A Brilliant Classic.
I must have read this account of the fighter war above the UK and NW Europe a dozen times (and then some!) over the years and it remains a firm favourite. Written in the style you may imagine of a fighter ace born in time to participate in the battles from the end of the Battle of Britain onwards, I can't recommend it enough. The only criticism I have of the Kindle edition is that in a couple of places a few paragraphs seem to be repeated and/or run into each other so if you can access a printed edition then it's probably best you do so.
I must have read this account of the fighter war above the UK and NW Europe a dozen times (and then some!) over the years and it remains a firm favourite. Written in the style you may imagine of a fighter ace born in time to participate in the battles from the end of the Battle of Britain onwards, I can't recommend it enough. The only criticism I have of the Kindle edition is that in a couple of places a few paragraphs seem to be repeated and/or run into each other so if you can access a printed edition then it's probably best you do so.
May 14, 2023
Compelling account of one pilot's heroic contributions during World War II. The book delves into the thrilling life of Group Captain Johnny Johnson, the Royal Air Force's highest-scoring fighter ace. While the narrative offers a gripping portrayal of his exploits and the intense aerial battles, it falls short in providing a deeper exploration of Johnson's personal experiences and emotions. The storytelling is informative and engaging, but lacks the emotional depth that could have elevated it further. Overall, a decent read for history enthusiasts, but lacking in emotional resonance.
December 17, 2022
How it really was
The story of a World War 2 fighter ace. Johnny Johnson . Unpretentious and factual. J was a methodical and obviously talented pilot and organizer.
In those days hunting was acceptable and he obviously loved shooting down birds as well as aircraft .
Yet as long as you weren’t the enemy or a partridge he comes across as a humane man.
The story of a World War 2 fighter ace. Johnny Johnson . Unpretentious and factual. J was a methodical and obviously talented pilot and organizer.
In those days hunting was acceptable and he obviously loved shooting down birds as well as aircraft .
Yet as long as you weren’t the enemy or a partridge he comes across as a humane man.
February 5, 2023
Top scoring fighter ace
A very thorough story of a young pilots progress from trainee why pilot to group captain leading powerful formations against the Luftwaffe in a most aggressive manner. Quite detailed and self effacing, Johnnie Johnson tells his story well. I recommend this to anyone interested in ww2 air combat. Excellent.
A very thorough story of a young pilots progress from trainee why pilot to group captain leading powerful formations against the Luftwaffe in a most aggressive manner. Quite detailed and self effacing, Johnnie Johnson tells his story well. I recommend this to anyone interested in ww2 air combat. Excellent.
July 20, 2023
Brilliant and captivating read
An absolute pleasure to read so much so I was devastated when I finished. Featuring the beloved Spitfire Johnnie Johnson narrates an enthralling account of life as a pilot in the intense days of world war two. Riveting read that I highly recommend
An absolute pleasure to read so much so I was devastated when I finished. Featuring the beloved Spitfire Johnnie Johnson narrates an enthralling account of life as a pilot in the intense days of world war two. Riveting read that I highly recommend
July 30, 2023
This book provides an insight not only into the day to day running of an RAF squadron, but the development of air tactics during WW2.
Though Johnnie Johnson was the top scoring allied fighter pilot his story is relayed with a measure of modesty & humility. Highly recommended!
4.5 stars
Though Johnnie Johnson was the top scoring allied fighter pilot his story is relayed with a measure of modesty & humility. Highly recommended!
4.5 stars
March 25, 2024
5 Stars/
92%
A memorable, insightful, moving recounting of an extraordinary group of people in an extraordinary time.
Johnson was one of the best - and this tale just shows how much skill and luck are involved in modern warfare. An important book now, as it was when it was published.
92%
A memorable, insightful, moving recounting of an extraordinary group of people in an extraordinary time.
Johnson was one of the best - and this tale just shows how much skill and luck are involved in modern warfare. An important book now, as it was when it was published.
April 1, 2024
The author joins the Royal Air Force Reserve in 1939 , flies in the Battle of Britian and continues up until VE Day in May 1945. When the war ended he was the top scoring Allied fighter pilot with 38 confirmed victories.
January 18, 2025
Excellent book.
Well written by the top scoring RAF fighter pilot of WW2. Takes you from just after the Battle of Britain to the wars end.
Highly recommended, not just for those with an interest in WW2, but anyone who likes to read of the greatest generation.
Well written by the top scoring RAF fighter pilot of WW2. Takes you from just after the Battle of Britain to the wars end.
Highly recommended, not just for those with an interest in WW2, but anyone who likes to read of the greatest generation.
November 5, 2022
wing leader
A excellent book well written and and well enjoyed throughout.Kept you entertained all through the book made you feel you was on a tour off a the many stations.
A excellent book well written and and well enjoyed throughout.Kept you entertained all through the book made you feel you was on a tour off a the many stations.
November 23, 2022
Excellent!
An excellent account of Johnie Johnson’s war. Well written and riveting. A really great historical piece of writing, well researched and remembered.
An excellent account of Johnie Johnson’s war. Well written and riveting. A really great historical piece of writing, well researched and remembered.
December 8, 2022
A must read.
Recommended. Gripped from start to finish. Insights into all aspects of these heroes sacrifices and skills, on both sides, of a terrible episode in modern history.
Recommended. Gripped from start to finish. Insights into all aspects of these heroes sacrifices and skills, on both sides, of a terrible episode in modern history.
December 14, 2022
Jejohnson
A superb book I have wanted to read for years
Just gets you on the edge of your seat your in the cockpit with him
A superb book I have wanted to read for years
Just gets you on the edge of your seat your in the cockpit with him
February 12, 2023
Johnnie Johnson had an amazing career as a fighter pilot and leader from the Battle of Britain through to final victory against Nazi Germany in May 1945. Well written and truly gripping.
May 24, 2023
An excellent read
I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to read a pilots eye view of the war written by a top fighter pilot.
I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to read a pilots eye view of the war written by a top fighter pilot.
June 14, 2023
brilliant read
Stunningly well written
Couldn’t put it down
The guy is an absolute legend
Best Battle of Britain read ever 👍👍😊
Stunningly well written
Couldn’t put it down
The guy is an absolute legend
Best Battle of Britain read ever 👍👍😊
June 17, 2023
fantastic story of history.
Great read of the life of a Fighter pilot in world war 2. The friendships and hard ships of war.
Great read of the life of a Fighter pilot in world war 2. The friendships and hard ships of war.
June 18, 2023
Great read
The pressure that these pilots were under,survivability odds shows why we were able to win this war. Any one with an interest in aeroplanes should read this book.
The pressure that these pilots were under,survivability odds shows why we were able to win this war. Any one with an interest in aeroplanes should read this book.
June 21, 2023
Loved this book. Decided to read it when I came across a mounted replica of Johnnie's Spitfire in Salisbury. Well worth the read.
August 6, 2023
Top Gun
Real, vivid, honest. 'Never in the field of human conflict was so much been owed by so many to so few.'
Real, vivid, honest. 'Never in the field of human conflict was so much been owed by so many to so few.'
August 13, 2023
An easy read about the flying and fighting experience of the top-scoring RAF fighter ace of WWII. Interesting first person account of the significant efforts of RAF pilots.
September 13, 2023
Not enough of the book is about flying. As a memoir it is fine
December 25, 2023
5 Stars for JEJ’s story as a fighter pilot and his contribution to the RAF. As for the book and the writing, it was decidedly average.
April 14, 2024
An excellent account
I very much enjoyed this book but I was often puzzled about the military jargon and RAF ranks. I had to do my own research but at least I learned something.
I very much enjoyed this book but I was often puzzled about the military jargon and RAF ranks. I had to do my own research but at least I learned something.
May 30, 2024
Not as interesting or exciting as I thought it would be.
Did learn more about Spitfires.
Did learn more about Spitfires.
Read
February 4, 2025What an absolute brilliant book, giving an insight into a fighter pilot's life and dogfights during WWII
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews