Sir John began his RAF career as an aircraft apprentice, trained as a pilot and retired having served on the Air Force Board. He started flying Mosquito night fighters before converting to the Meteor. After an exchange appointment flying all-weather fighters with the USAF, he commanded a Hunter squadron, which soon converted to the Lightning. He commanded the Air Fighting Development Squadron at the Central Fighter Establishment before heading for Washington as the RAF Phantom Procurement Manager. In 1968 he took command of RAF Coningsby, the RAF’s first Phantom base. He later served at the RAF College Cranwell, in MoD and as Air Officer Commanding Training Units. In July 1981 he was made Air Member for Supply and Organisation before being appointed Controller Aircraft (CA) responsible for the procurement of all military aircraft and associated weapon systems. After retiring in 1986 he started a second career in the motor sports world becoming Chief Executive of RAC Motor Sports Association. He rebuilt numerous vintage cars and took part in the Brighton Run.

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