 In the opening months , Johnson flew as a night fighter pilot . Using day fighters to act as night fighters without radar was largely unsuccessful in intercepting German bombers during The Blitz ; Johnson 's only action occurred on 22 February 1941 when he damaged a Messerschmitt Bf 110 in Spitfire R6611 , QJ @-@ F. A week later , Johnson 's squadron was moved to RAF Tangmere on the Channel coast . Johnson was eager to see combat after just 10 @.@ 40 operational hours and welcomed the prospect of meeting the enemy from Tangmere . If the Germans did not resume their assault the Wing was to take the fight to them . 
