Leslie Johnson was one of those rare compilers of a photographic album whom all historians bless because he wrote down essential details to accompany his photographs.

In 1945, Leslie was stationed at Downham Market, the home of 635 Squadron (flying Lancasters) and two Mosquito squadrons, 571 and 608. This selection of three photos shows Leslie and his fellow erks: firstly, in June 1945 when the European war had been over for one month; secondly, in September 1945, a month after the victory over Japan. The third photograph is undated but shows a moment of obviously much enjoyed leisure time.

First photograph: Leslie Johnson is at the front of this group of 635 Squadron/Downham Market ground crew; others in the photograph have their signatures on the back of the photograph, see above.

The second photograph, dated 13 September 1945, Leslie Johnson again at the front.

It may have been shortly after this photograph was taken that Leslie was posted to 225 Squadron in Italy to work on Spitfires (see photograph at the end of this webpage).

And lastly, having fun ….

Leslie Johnson is not in this undated photograph so presumably he is the one taking it.

Below: Leslie Johnson in Italy after the war.

With many thanks to Martin Johnson.