William Earl Johns was an English pilot and writer of adventure stories, usually written under the name Captain W. E. Johns although he never held that rank.

He is best remembered as the creator of the ace pilot and adventurer James 'Biggles' Bigglesworth.  W.E. Johns was born on 5th February 1893 at Mole Wood Road, Begeo, Hertford.

He wrote at least 169 books, including 98 Biggles books, and also created the much-loved young teen adventure characters commando Gimlet and the female pilot adventurer, Worrals.

W.E. Johns contributed to many magazines, including Popular Flying, which he created, and Flying magazines, along with other books on aviation and even gardening.

Since his death in 1968, many of the books have continued to be published making Johns one of the most successful authors of the 20th Century.

Report from Twickenham Museum:

Captain W. E. Johns
Bomber pilot, illustrator, aviation writer and author of Biggles books
1893 - 1968