| William Spurrett Fielding-Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 February 1892 |
| Died | 10 February 1953 (aged 61) Leicester, Leicestershire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Leicestershire Yeomanry, No. 3 Squadron RFC, No. 56 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Military Cross with Bar, Distinguished Flying Cross |
Captain William Spurrett Fielding-Johnson MC and Bar, DFC was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.[1]
Fielding-Johnson was awarded a Military Cross on 3 July 1915, while he was serving with the Leicestershire Yeomanry. On 19 October 1915, he began aerial duty as an observation/gunner on 3 Squadron's Morane Parasols. On 19 January 1916, he was injured during a crash. After he recovered, he trained as a pilot. In October 1917, he was posted to 56 Squadron. In a month's action beginning 17 February 1918 and ending 18 March, while flying Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a No. B37, he destroyed four enemy fighters, drove down another one out of control, and destroyed a reconnaissance two-seater. The latter victory was shared with fellow ace Second Lieutenant Maurice Mealing.[2]
In World War II Fielding-Johnson returned to service as an Squadron Leader and aerial gunner with 'A' Fight, No. 214 Squadron and as the oldest rear gunner in the service 1940-41 won a Distinguished Flying Cross.[3]
Above the Trenches: a Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920. Christopher F. Shores, Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest. Grub Street, 1990. ISBN 0-948817-19-4, 9780948817199.