Achieving the rank of Colonel in the British Army, serving from 1954–1991, Colonel John is a former British Army officer, explorer and author. He founded Operation Raleigh and the Scientific Exploration Society. He is credited with 'inventing' white water rafting when he needed to negotiate difficult waters using just inflatable boats. Colonel John recounts this and many more of his experiences as an explorer in his book, Something Lost Behind the Ranges: The Autobiography of John Blashford-Snell.
He has been involved in various projects to help disadvantaged youth, including an army unit he formed especially to give young people a sense of direction following the riots of 1981. He also headed up a multi-million pound appeal to give Merseyside youth access to vocational training and support and he set up the Liverpool Construction Crafts Guild to develop skilled craftsmen in the area.
Among the various roles, Colonel John is Life President of the Centre for Fortean Zoology, Worldwide Ambassador for the Zenith Watch Company and President of The Vole Club. He has received various awards and accolades including an MBE, an OBE, The Segrave Trophy, and The Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Livingstone Medal.
As a leadership and motivational speaker, not only can Colonel John entertain and enthral your quests by drawing on his amazing and unique experiences as an explorer, but he can also relate fascinating anecdotes from his 37 years in the British Army.
