Richard Bolt (RNZAF officer)

Air Marshal Sir Richard Bruce Bolt (born 16 July 1923), was a World War II bomber pilot and a senior Royal New Zealand Air Force officer in the post-War years. He was Chief of the Air Staff from 1974 to 1976 and Chief of the New Zealand Defence Staff from 1976 to 1980 when he retired from the military.

Bolt was educated at Nelson College from 1936 to 1939. His father was the pioneering New Zealand aviator George Bolt.

During World War II, Bolt served with the Pathfinder Force, flying the Lancaster Bomber. After the War, Bolt held two different squadron commands as the Commanding Officer of No. 40 Squadron RNZAF, the Commanding Officer of No. 24 (Commonwealth) Squadron RAF.

Honours and awards
In the Birthday Honours 1959 the then Sqdn. Leader Bolt was awarded the Air Force Cross. In the New Year Honours 1977 Bolt was appointed a Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath. In May 1973 Bolt was appointed as Commander of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. and later elevated to Knight Commander of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.