SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 8TH OCTOBER 1982
St. James's Palace, London S.W.I
11th October, 1982
The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the Posthumous award of the Queen's Gallantry Medal to the undermentioned in recognition of gallantry during the operations in the South Atlantic.
Queen's Gallantry Medal
Acting Colour Sergeant Brian JOHNSTON, Royal Marines, PO23116X.
Colour Sergeant Johnston, coxswain of LCU F4, was working in the vicinity of HMS ANTELOPE when her unexploded bomb detonated, starting an immediate fire which caused her crew, already at emergency stations, to be ordered to abandon ship. Without hesitation Colour Sergeant Johnston laid his craft alongside the ANTELOPE and began to fight the fire and take off survivors. At approximately 2200Z he was ordered to stay clear of the ship because of the severity of the fire and the presence of a second unexploded bomb.
Colour Sergeant Johnston remained alongside until his load was complete. In all LCU F4 rescued over 100 survivors from the ANTELOPE.
On 8 June, LCU F4 was attacked by enemy aircraft in Choiseul Sound. During this action Colour Sergeant Johnston and five of his crew were killed. Colour Sergeant Johnston's selfless bravery in the face of extreme danger was in the highest traditions of the Corps.
Medals:
a) Queen´s Gallantry Medal (A C Sergt. Brian Johnston, R.M. PO23116X.) b) General Service 1962-2007, two clasps, South Arabia, Northern Ireland (RM-23116 B.R. Johnston. Mne. R.M.) c) South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (ACSGT B R Johnston PO23116X RM) d) Naval Long Service & G.C., E.II.R. (Sgt. B R Johnston PO23116X RM)
Brian was my Fathers best friend, and my Godfather we are very proud of him, and he will always be remembered.