 One month later , Johnson gained his first air victory . On 26 June Johnson participated in Circus 24 . Crossing the coast near Gravelines , Bader warned of 24 Bf 109s nearby , southeast , in front of the Wing . The Bf 109s saw the British and turned to attack the lower No. 610 Squadron from the rear . While watching three Bf 109s above him dive to port , Johnson lost sight of his wing commander at 15 @,@ 000 feet . Immediately a Bf 109E flew in front of him and turned slightly to port at a range of 150 yards . After receiving hits , the Bf 109 's hood was jettisoned and the pilot baled out . Several No. 145 Squadron pilots witnessed the victory . He had expended 278 rounds from P7837 's guns . The Bf 109 was one of five lost by Jagdgeschwader 2 ( Fighter Wing 2 ) that day . 
