11 Facts About Michael Stear

Michael Stear served as Deputy Commander in Chief, Allied Forces Central Europe from 1992 to 1996.

Michael Stear served as a pilot with No 1 Squadron after completing flying training, and was promoted to flying officer on 1 April 1963, and to flight lieutenant on 1 January 1964.

Michael Stear was promoted to squadron leader on 1 January 1970.

Michael Stear was promoted to wing commander on 1 July 1974.

Michael Stear was promoted to group captain on 1 July 1979, and in 1980 returned to Germany as Officer Commanding RAF Gutersloh.

Michael Stear was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 1990 New Year Honours.

Michael Stear was promoted to air chief marshal on 27 August 1992, and a year later was appointed Deputy Commander in Chief, Allied Forces Central Europe.

Michael Stear retired from the RAF on 11 October 1996, and on the same day was commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a flying officer for a period of four years.

Michael Stear was twice granted an extension of service, first until 10 October 2003, and then until 10 October 2007, when he finally relinquished his RAFVR commission at the age of 68.

Michael Stear maintained his links with the Air Force by becoming President of the Royal Air Forces Association in 1998.

Michael Stear died on 5 January 2020 at the age of 81.