Bolts from the Blue: From Cold War Warrior to Chief of the Air Staff

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Johns was commissioned at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in 1959 and served as an operational fast-jet pilot for nine years. He held senior national and NATO appointments during the 1990s, including Director of Operations in the National Joint Headquarters during the first Gulf War and NATO C-in-C. He returned to national duty in 1997 as Chief of the Air Staff and was involved in the Strategic Defence Review, RAF aircraft operations over Kosovo, and air operations over north and south Iraq. His autobiography provides a rare perspective of the RAF, our sister services, and national defence matters.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 30 July 2021
\n Publisher: Grub Street Publishing
\n

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Johns, a distinguished aviator, embarked on his journey in the Royal Air Force (RAF) after completing his flying training on Piston Provost and Meteor aircraft at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in 1959. His dedication and commitment led him to serve as an operational fast-jet pilot for nine years, during which he undertook diverse missions, including tours on Javelin night fighters and fighter recce Hunters from Aden and Oman. His exceptional skills and expertise were recognized when he qualified as a flying instructor, initially on the Gnat and later on the Jet Provost as a squadron commander at Cranwell. In his final year as a flying instructor, he had the privilege of teaching The Prince of Wales to wings standard, a testament to his exceptional teaching abilities.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sir Richard held a series of senior national and NATO appointments. During the first Gulf War, he played a pivotal role as the Director of Operations in the National Joint Headquarters for all British Forces deployed to the Middle East. His leadership and strategic thinking were instrumental in ensuring the successful outcome of the conflict. Following the war, he led the British Recce Team to Turkey and north Iraq, where his efforts resulted in the deployment of British land and air forces to the coalition that safeguarded the Kurdish population in Iraq.

As a NATO C-in-C, Sir Richard assumed responsibility for training and operationalizing the new Regional Command of Allied Forces, North West Europe. During this three-year tour, he not only played a supporting role in joint operations in the Balkans but also fostered partnerships for peace exercises with former Warsaw Pact countries. His commitment to fostering international cooperation and promoting peace was evident in his actions.

Upon returning to national duty in 1997, Sir Richard took on the prestigious role of Chief of the Air Staff, where he was entrusted with the operational efficiency and morale of the Royal Air Force. During his last three years of service, he was fully engaged in the decision-making process of the Strategic Defence Review, ensuring that the RAF remained a vital component of Britain's defense strategy. His leadership also saw RAF aircraft actively participate in operations over and within Kosovo, demonstrating the RAF's commitment to international security and humanitarian efforts.

Sir Richard Johns' remarkable career spans several decades, during which he has made significant contributions to the RAF and the international community. His dedication, expertise, and leadership have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the public alike. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of aviators and military personnel.

\n Weight: 606g\n
Dimension: 154 x 235 x 32 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781911667032\n \n