Johnston, John Laird

Pilot Officer John Laird Johnston

was born at Wine Street, Sligo on 6th March 1916 to Henry Martin Johnston, Bank Official and Maud Alexandra Sarah Johnston nee Laird. They had married on 24th May 1915 at the Methodist Centenary  Church, Leeson Park, Ranelagh, Dublin. His father later became manager of the Belfast Bank, Glenarm branch. 

Belfast Bank, Toberwine Street, Glenarm

John was educated at Campbell College, Belfast. The Lennon Wylie website records John as attending Campbell College:

2134. *Johnston, John Laird (C), b. 6th March, 1916, son of Henry M. Johnston, Belfast Bank House, Glenarm. V, July, 1932. Bank Official. 1940-45: F/O., R.A.F. Musician, B.B.C., Belfast. Address: 4 Galwally Avenue, Belfast. (M.q.)

He joined the Belfast Banking Company on 18th January 1937. His Bankers Guarantee bond was signed by his father. John served in Newtownards, Downpatrick and Warrenpoint. 

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Newtownards branch

Belfast Bank, Downpatrick branch

Belfast Bank, Warrenpoint branch

In 1940 he volunteered for the RAF whilst in Warrenpoint.

The London Gazette (1944) records a John Laird Johnston with Other Ranks Service Number 1308099 and Officer Service Number 183336 serving with the RAF Volunteer Reserve.  

A notice in the Belfast Telegraph dated 25th October 1944 recorded John's marriage at St James Parish Church to Josephine Owen on 10th October 1944.

On 5th February 1945 the Belfast Telegraph reported that Pilot Officer J L Johnston was a member of the crew of a damaged RAF Liberator.

Belfast Telegraph, 5th February 1945 - P/O J L Johnston

On 8th February 1945 the Larne Times reported 'Ulster Pilot in Epic of Baltic':

Larne Times, 8th February 1945 - P/O J L Johnston

Following the end of WWII, John re-joined the Belfast Banking Company on 8th April 1946 and is recorded as being a member of Portaferry branch. 

Belfast Bank, Portaferry branch

John's signature is recorded in this BBCo staff hand-book.

Belfast Bank Staff Handbook - J L Johnston