He was a damn good shot and a ladykiller too - a very good looking man who would be regarded today as a Top Gun

Pilot Officer Paddy Barthropp

During his time with the Royal Air Force, he flew 104 different types of aircraft, and will be remembered by fellow pilots for his high-spirited attitude.

Under his command, Mr Johnstone's squadron fought longer than any other in the front line of the Battle of Britain, claiming 89 kills and 103 probables.

He gained notoriety before the war when he landed his damaged plane on Portobello beach, Edinburgh, and tethered it to a lamppost while he went into town to phone back to base.

However, Mr Johnstone will be best remembered for his actions during the Battle of Britain when he led two groups of six fighters into battle with 120 German bombers.

Retired in 1968

For that he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The war hero then went on to serve in Malta in 1942, defending the island from severe attacks from the Luftwaffe.

His fighting career began in 1934

After the war he commanded the RAF in Indonesia and helped to form the Malaysian Air Force before retiring in 1968.

Mr Johnstone, who leaves a son, Brigadier Ian Johnstone, and two daughters, was to be cremated at Ipswich Crematorium.

Pilot Officer Paddy Barthropp, 80, who served under Mr Johnstone during the war, said: "He was a very popular and extremely efficient squadron leader.

"In the 602, he made sure there was no discrimination in rank. We were all equal.

"He was a damn good shot and a ladykiller too - a very good looking man who would be regarded today as a Top Gun.

"His attitude was 'Here today, gone tomorrow'. He had a devil-may-care approach to life and he kept it until the very end.

"I received my Christmas card from him three days after his death. He will be missed by a lot of people and remembered for a long time."