Richard Johnson

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Chesterfield branch

Died: 31 January 1945

Richard Kenneth Howard Johnson was born on 22 February 1918, the son of Howard and Annie Lizzie Johnson. He joined the staff of Westminster Bank in March 1936 at Belper branch, transferring to Chesterfield branch in January 1939.

Johnson had joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1938, so was mobilised at the outbreak of war. He took part in the Battle of Britain; received his first commission in 1941; and in 1942 was mentioned in dispatches. In July 1944, while he held the rank of Acting Squadron Leader, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for exceptional leadership and devotion to duty, having taken part in many anti-shipping raids from Malta.

Wing Commander Johnson was killed during an attack on an enemy ship in the Mediterranean on 31 January 1945. He was 25 years old.

Richard Johnson is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest Chesterfield branch.