Vice-Admiral James 'Johnny' Johnson (10 February 1918 – 2 October 1990) was a former Chief of the South African Navy (1 April 1972 to 30 September 1977). He was nicknamed "Flam" after his wartime red beard - "Vlambaard" in Afrikaans.

Early career

He trained at the General Botha Training college from 1933 to 1934 and joined the P&O Line after leaving General Botha. He was commissioned in 1938 and joined in 1939. After his ship was sunk in Suda Bay, Crete, he joined , which took part in the

Battle of the Atlantic The Battle of the Atlantic, the longest continuous military campaign in World War II, ran from 1939 to the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, covering a major part of the naval history of World War II. At its core was the Allied naval blockade ...

from 1942 to 1943. During this time he was awarded the

Distinguished Service Cross The Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) is a military decoration for courage. Different versions exist for different countries. *Distinguished Service Cross (Australia) The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is a military decoration awarded to ...

for Gallantry. He also served as commanding officer of and

SA Navy career

After the war he transferred to the South African Navy in 1946 as a lieutenant commander. He held various commands, including , , during March to May 1948 and the Navy Gymnasium. He commanded the when she was delivered from Britain in 1964, in the rank of captain. He was promoted to commodore in 1966. 1969 he was promoted to flag rank and appointed Chief of Naval Staff. He was appointed Chief of the South African Navy in 1972 and was the last chief to occupy Admiralty House before Naval Headquarters moved to

Pretoria Pretoria () is South Africa's administrative capital, serving as the seat of the Executive (government), executive branch of government, and as the host to all foreign embassies to South Africa. Pretoria straddles the Apies River and extends ...

Awards and decorations

Distinguished Service Cross

The citation in the London Gazette reads:

List

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Order of Naval Merit (Argentina) - ribbon bar

Grand Cross of Naval Merit of the Order of May (Argentina)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, James South African admirals Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom) 1918 births 1990 deaths People from Benoni Chiefs of the South African Navy South African military personnel of World War II