James Johnson (South African Navy officer)
Vice-Admiral James 'Johnny' Johnson was a former Chief of the South African Navy.
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 after leaving General Botha.He was commissioned in 1938 and joined in 1939. After his ship was sunk in Suda Bay, Crete, he joined HMS Jed, which took part in the Battle of the Atlantic from 1942 to 1943. During this time he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross 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.