Fielding-Johnson, William Spurrett

Date of birth:: February 8th, 1892 (Leicester/Leicestershire, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: February 10th, 1953 (Leicester/Leicestershire, United Kingdom)
Service number:: 73613
Nationality:: British

Biography

Squadron Leader William Spurrett Fielding Johnson served in both world wars.
A cadet officer at Rugby School, he joined the Leicestershire Yeomanry in 1913 as a Second Lieutenant and was despatched to the Western Front in November the following year. On 13 May 1915 Fielding-Johnson was on the front line in the Second Battle of Ypres with ‘B’ Squadron. The MC citation tells what happened next.
He left the regiment to be transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in 1915. Posted to 3 Squadron as an observer on 16 October 1915 het was badly injured in a crash on 19 January 1916. After recovering from his injuries, he received pilot training and was posted to 56 Squadron in October 1917. Flying the S.E.5a, Fielding-Johnson scored five victories in 1918 becoming an ace.
When war was declared in September 1939 he quickly volunteered for flying duties and commenced in June 1940 as a rear gunner with No. 214 Squadron and flew as such 19 missions before being transferred to staff duties. But in March 1942 he was back in the air as Commanding Officer of 1483 Flight training aircrews and he also participated in every sortie that his unit took part in.
Fielding-Johnson's only son Hugh also joined the RAF, flying Mosquito fighter-bombers who also recieved the DFC.
After the war he returned to a life on a farm in Compton Bassett as well as chairing the family business in Leicester.
Fielding-Johnson died suddenly in February 1953 during a board meeting in Leicester.

Promotions:
16 March, 1913: 2nd Lieutenant Leicestershire Yeomanry, Territorial Force

11 April, 1921: Temporary Lieutenant Defence Force

4 July, 1939: Pilot Officer on Probation
7 September, 1939: Flying Officer
7 September, 1940: Flight Lieutenant
1 July 1944: Squadron Leader

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Military Cross (MC)

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Awarded on:: July 3rd, 1915

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry near Ypres on 13th May 1915. Was with Major Martin, and continued the action until the squadron was reduced to thirteen men. Afterwards displayed great coolness in withdrawing to a flank and joining a cavalry brigade."

Military Cross (MC)

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: Captain
Awarded on:: May 13th, 1918

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Whilst escorting machines of another squadron which were engaged in bombing work with one other officer he attacked ten enemy scouts. He destroyed two of them and forced another to land. On another occasion, when leading a patrol of six machines, he attacked ten enemy scouts. He destroyed one, and his patrol accounted for three others. A few minutes later, in conjunction with another officer, he destroyed an enemy two-seater machine of a new type. As a flight commander he showed great skill and by his daring and good leadership set a splendid example to the officers of his flight."

Second MC awarded as a Bar.