 Born in 1915 , Johnson grew up and was educated in the East Midlands , where he qualified as an engineer . A sportsman , Johnson broke his collarbone while playing rugby , an injury that later complicated his ambitions of becoming a fighter pilot . Johnson had been interested in aviation since his youth and applied to join the RAF . He was initially rejected , first on social , and then on medical grounds . In August 1939 he was eventually accepted . The injury problems , however , returned during his early training and flying career , resulting in him missing the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain between May and October 1940 . 
