Tributes have poured in for Vice Admiral Sir Clive Johnstone, a key figure in the 21st-century Royal Navy, who died suddenly over the weekend, according to a press release. Sir Clive served for 35 years and was National President of the Royal British Legion at the time of his death.
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key described Sir Clive as “an outstanding officer and inspirational individual who positively impacted the lives of so many. He will be sorely missed.”
The Royal British Legion praised him as “an extraordinary military leader and person of great integrity and intellect.”
Sir Clive’s career spanned significant global operations, from the Cold War’s end to recent conflicts. He joined the Royal Navy in 1985 after studying anthropology at Durham University. His roles included navigating minehunters, serving on HMS Invincible, and commanding HMS Iron Duke and HMS Bulwark. He later served as Flag Officer Sea Training and Commander of NATO’s Allied Maritime Command.
Knighted in the 2019 New Year’s Honours, Sir Clive retired in 2020. Post-retirement, he worked in shipbuilding, supported the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial, and chaired the Naval Review journal.
Sir Clive is survived by his widow Alison and their daughters, Phoebe and Emily.
