W. E. Johns

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.