J. Richard Smith is a retired engineering instructor with an international telecommunications company. He began researching German aviation over fifty years ago, working closely with his good friend Eddie Creek. Their first book, German Aircraft of the Second World War, was published in 1972 and was followed by over twenty others on the subject. These included an acclaimed four-volume history of the Me 262, and three others on the Fw 190. Their latest publication is a revised version of a previous book on the Dornier Do 335. Richard is also secretary of the West Midlands branch of the Elgar Society, and has written a book on the composer which has achieved critical acclaim. He lives in Worcestershire.