John Wraight

Sir John Richard Wraight 4 June 1916 – 23 April 1997) was a British civil servant and diplomat who served as British Ambassador to Switzerland from 1973 to 1976.

Early life and education

Wraight was born on 4 June 1916 in Harrow, Middlesex, the son of Richard George Wraight, a professional pianist and organist. He was educated at Selhurst Grammar School and the University of London.

Career

After working in the City of London from 1933 to 1939, Wraight served during World War II with the Honourable Artillery Company and the 11th Royal Horse Artillery Regiment in Europe and North Africa. In 1944, he was transferred to the Ministry of Economic Warfare Mission based in Cairo. After being demobilised with the rank of major, he joined the Foreign Office and was attached to the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) in Central Europe, before he entered the Foreign Service in 1947. In 1973, he was appointed Ambassador to Switzerland, a post he held until his retirement in 1976.

After retiring from the Diplomatic Service, Wraight worked as international consultant to the stockbrokers Phillips & Drew from 1976 to 1988. He was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 1962 Birthday Honours.