Captain W. E. Johns (1893-1968)A World War One pilot, Captain Johns started flying as part of the Royal Flying Corps before the RAF was even formed, and flew a number of missions into Germany before being shot down and taken as a POW in September 1918. After the war ended, he remained in the RAF in recruitment and then as a reservist before relinquishing his commission in 1931. He published his first Biggles book the following year.
The renowned flying ace Biggles is probably his most well-known character, however throughout Johns' 46-year writing career (from 1922 until his death) he wrote over 160 books, including other novels and non-fiction. His first science fiction novel, Kings of Space, was published in 1954 and introduced Captain "Tiger" Clinton to the world. A series of nine further novels followed. Captain Johns died in 1968, at the age of 75.
He wrote right up until his death.
The renowned flying ace Biggles is probably his most well-known character, however throughout Johns' 46-year writing career (from 1922 until his death) he wrote over 160 books, including other novels and non-fiction. His first science fiction novel, Kings of Space, was published in 1954 and introduced Captain "Tiger" Clinton to the world. A series of nine further novels followed. Captain Johns died in 1968, at the age of 75.
He wrote right up until his death.
