Flight Lieutenant Robert Irvine Johnson (118115) served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War. Born on 31st March 1921, he was the eldest son of Robert Bannon Johnson and Gladys Olivia Johnson of Belturbt, Co. Cavan. The family later lived at 66 Myrtlefield Park, Belfast.
He attended Methodist College, Belfast before gaining employment in the family firm of Messrs. Thomas Johnson and Son Ltd. on Bedford Street, Belfast. At school, he played rugby union and also competed for the Collegians Rugby Football Club. He was also a Scout Master at McCracken Memorial, 40th Scout Troop in Belfast
Johnson enlisted during the Second World War. Newspaper archives suggest, his commission came through shortly before his death in 1944. In fact, the airman never received the telegram or that of congratulations from his parents.
Robert received a promotion from Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant on 3rd April 1943. He died on 25th April 1944 aged 23 years old on Avro Anson DJ639 while serving in RAF No. 10 Radio School. The Mark I plane took off from RAF Carew Cheriton, Pembrokeshire. Witnesses observed a plane crashing into the Irish Sea off the coast at Tuskar Rock, Co. Wexford, Eire.
Remembering the crew of Anson DJ639
| Last Name | First Name(s) | Rank | Role | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carr | Ronald Richard | Aircraftman 2nd Class | RAFVR 3025469. Killed. | |
| Johnson | Robert Irvine | Flight Lieutenant | RAFVR 118115. Missing Presumed Killed. | |
| Tudehope | Reginald Joseph | Flight Sergeant | RAAF 424479. Missing Presumed Killed. | |
| Young | Sydney James Herbert | Flight Sergeant | RAAF 424503. Missing Presumed Killed. |
Robert Irvine Johnson has no known grave. His name is on Panel 202 of the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.