Simon Glancey has submitted the following:
F/Sgt Johnstone was killed when Vickers Wellington XIV NC674 'K' of 38 Squadron was lost on an air sea rescue mission. The 38 Squadron O.R.B. (Operational Record Book) has the following entry:
Took off 0850 for position 45º 06’ N 13º 06’ E to search for lifeboat of ditched Warwick. Sighted dinghy and lifeboat and homed Seagull [Supermarine Seagull amphibious air sea rescue aircraft] to same. Experiencing engine trouble and set course for home but crashed at Cervia 11.00. 5 killed and one suffering from severe shock and aircraft a total wreck.
W/O Gordon Sanson Crispin 1338477 aged 24 KIA
W/O (Pilot) David John Jenkins 1338321 aged 21 KIA
F/Sgt Marshall
F/Sgt John Emmanuel Johnstone 1683512 aged 21 KIA
Sgt (WOp/AG) Geoffrey Milner 1809397 aged 21 KIA
F/Sgt (WOp/AG) Theophilus Davies 1392612 aged 21 KIA
He is remembered in Bedlington on B15.13 and in Bedlington Station on B163.04
