Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC has had his latest article published in his bravery series for Britain at War, the country’s best-selling military history monthly magazine.
The theme of the series is Lord Ashcroft’s “hero of the month” and the February edition of the magazine has a four-page write-up on the life and courage of Air Vice Marshal James “Johnnie” Johnson CB, CBE, DSO and two Bars, DFC and Bar.
Johnson flew in more than 700 Spitfire combat missions during the Second World War and was also the top-scoring RAF flying ace of the conflict with 38 confirmed victories.
Unlike many top fighter pilots who preferred to concentrate on their own flying, Johnson was an inspiration leader of men and trained, encouraged and led scores of Allied pilots.
Lord Ashcroft is a military historian who had written four books on bravery over the past eight years. He has also lectured extensively on courage and his various medal collections.
His articles for the magazine are largely based on excerpts from Lord Ashcroft’s four books on gallantry: Victoria Cross Heroes, Special Forces Heroes, George Cross Heroes and Heroes of the Skies.
Furthermore, the vast majority of the write-ups will be based on gallantry medals owned by Lord Ashcroft. As well as his unrivalled 183-strong VC collection, he has a major Special Forces’ medals’ collection and a substantial collection of decorations awarded for gallantry in the air.
In 2010, Lord Ashcroft also started collecting George Crosses (GCs) for the first time and currently possesses 14 such awards.
- Lord Ashcroft’s article appears in the February 2014 issue of Britain at War, which is on sale now.
