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{{Use British English|date=July 2012}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
|name=Barrie Heath
|name= Barrie Heath
|image=Barrie Heath.JPG
|image= Barrie Heath.JPG
|image_size= 300px
|caption=Barrie Heath photographed on the wing of Spitfire IIa P7883 "Grahaeme Heath", which had been donated by his parents in memory of his older brother, a pilot in the [[Royal Flying Corps]] who was killed in [[World War I]]
|alt=
|birth_date={{Birth date|1916|09|11|df=yes}}
|caption= Barrie Heath photographed on the wing of Spitfire IIa P7883 "Grahame Heath", which had been donated by his parents in memory of his older brother, a pilot in the [[Royal Flying Corps]] who was killed in the [[First World War]]
|death_date={{Death date and age|1988|02|22|1916|09|11|df=yes}}<ref>http://www.thesoutheastecho.co.uk/Fighter_Pilots_H.htm Retrieved: 25 January 2011. ''Source for Death only''.</ref>
|nickname=
|placeofburial_label=
|birth_date= {{Birth date|1916|09|11|df=yes}}
|placeofburial=
|birth_place=[[Kings Norton]], [[Warwickshire]]
|birth_place= [[Kings Norton]], [[Warwickshire]], England
|death_date= {{Death date and age|1988|02|22|1916|09|11|df=yes}}<ref>http://www.thesoutheastecho.co.uk/Fighter_Pilots_H.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003031238/http://www.thesoutheastecho.co.uk/Fighter_Pilots_H.htm |date=3 October 2011 }} Retrieved: 25 January 2011. (Source for death only).</ref>
|death_place=Buckinghamshire, England
|death_place= [[Buckinghamshire]], England
|placeofburial_coordinates= <!-- {{Coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} -->
|placeofburial=
|nickname=
|allegiance= United Kingdom
|birth_name=Barrie Heath
|branch= [[Royal Air Force]]
|allegiance={{flag|United Kingdom}}
|serviceyears= 1938–1946
|branch={{air force|United Kingdom}}
|rank= [[Wing commander (rank)|Wing commander]]
|serviceyears=1938–1946
|servicenumber=
|rank=[[Wing Commander (rank)|Wing Commander]]
|unit= [[No. 611 Squadron RAF]]<br/>[[No. 43 Squadron RAF]]
|servicenumber=
|commands= [[No. 324 Wing RAF]]
|unit=[[No. 611 Squadron RAF]]<br>[[No. 43 Squadron RAF]]<br>No. 324 Wing Commander
|battles= [[Second World War]]
|commands=
|battles=[[World War II]]
* [[Battle of Britain]]
* [[Battle of Britain]]
|awards= [[Knight Bachelor]]<br/>[[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]<br/>[[Air Efficiency Award]]
|battles_label=
|relations=
|awards=[[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]
|laterwork= [[Triplex Safety Glass]] Ltd employee (1960)<br/>[[Pilkington Brothers]] director (1967)<br/>Chairman of [[GKN]] (1975)
|relations=Grahame Heath (Older Brother)<br>Duncan Heath (Son)
|laterwork=Triplex Safety Glass Ltd Employee (1960)<br>[[Pilkington Brothers]] Director (1967)<br>Chairman of [[GKN]] (1975)
}}
}}
[[File:1941 Barrie Heath.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Barrie Heath poses in front of a section of a downed German aircraft, 1941.]]
[[File:1941 Barrie Heath.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Barrie Heath poses in front of a section of a downed German aircraft, 1941.]]
'''Sir Barrie Heath''', [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|DFC]], [[Air Efficiency Award|AE]] (11 September 1916 – 22 February 1988) was a [[World War II]] [[Royal Air Force]] [[Spitfire]] pilot who fought in the [[Battle of Britain]], and was awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]. After the war he had a successful career in industry, rising to become chairman of the industrial conglomerate [[GKN]]. In 1978 he received a knighthood for services to export.
'''Sir Barrie Heath''', {{postnominals|country=GBR|size=100|sep=,|DFC|AE}} (11 September 1916 – 22 February 1988) was a [[Royal Air Force]] [[Spitfire]] pilot who fought in the [[Battle of Britain]], and was awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]. Heath shot down four enemy aircraft (including two "probables") and damaged two others. After the Second World War he had a successful career in industry, rising to become chairman of the industrial conglomerate [[GKN]]. In 1978 he received a knighthood for services to export.


== Early life ==
==Early life==
{{Unsourced|section|date=January 2023}}
Heath was born in [[Kings Norton]], [[Warwickshire]] on 11 September 1916. His older brother Grahame was a pilot in the [[Royal Flying Corps]] and was killed in action in [[World War I]].
Heath was born in [[Kings Norton]], [[Warwickshire]], on 11 September 1916. His older brother Grahame was a pilot in the [[Royal Flying Corps]] and was killed in action in the [[First World War]].


==Second World War==
== Battle of Britain ==
[[File:Spitfire mk2a p7350 arp.jpg|thumb|right|Spitfire Mk IIa ''P7350'' of the [[Battle of Britain Memorial Flight|BBMF]] is the only existing airworthy Spitfire that fought in the Battle of Britain.]]
[[File:Spitfire mk2a p7350 arp.jpg|thumb|right|Spitfire Mk IIa ''P7350'' of the [[Battle of Britain Memorial Flight|BBMF]] is the only existing airworthy Spitfire that fought in the Battle of Britain.]]
[[File:Plaque awarded to G.F. Heath for his Spitfire.jpg|thumb|Plaque awarded to G.F. Heath to commemorate his "Presentation Spitfire"]]
Heath saw active service in 1940 with [[No. 611 Squadron RAF]], flying in [[Spitfire]] IIa P7883 "Grahame Heath", which had been donated by his parents in memory of his brother.<ref>[http://www.spitfiresociety.demon.co.uk/present.htm Spitfire society webpage.] Retrieved: 16 February 2010</ref>
Heath saw active service in 1940 with [[No. 611 Squadron RAF]], flying in [[Spitfire]] IIa P7883 "Grahame Heath", which had been donated by his father G.F. Heath in memory of his son Grahame.<ref>[http://www.spitfiresociety.demon.co.uk/present.htm Spitfire society webpage.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403215725/http://www.spitfiresociety.demon.co.uk/present.htm |date=3 April 2009 }} Retrieved: 16 February 2010</ref>


Such donations were not uncommon at the time; many patriotic individuals as well as towns and other organisations were encouraged to donate the cost of an airframe. The cost of a Spitfire was set by the government at £5,000, a very large sum at the time, although the real cost of manufacturing the aircraft was more than £10,000. By way of honouring the donation, the aircraft was permitted to bear the name of the donor himself, or any other name they chose. Approximately 1500 "presentation" Spitfires were donated during the course of the war, representing about 17% of total production.<ref>[http://www.spitfiresociety.demon.co.uk/present.htm Spitfire society webpage.] Retrieved 16 February 2010</ref><ref>[http://spitfiresite.com/2010/04/the-kenya-presentation-spitfires.html Spitfires.com.] Retrieved: 13 July 2010</ref>
Such donations were not uncommon at the time; many patriotic individuals as well as towns and other organisations were encouraged to donate the cost of an airframe. The cost of a Spitfire was set by the government at £5,000, a very large sum at the time, although the real cost of manufacturing the aircraft was more than £10,000. By way of honouring the donation, the aircraft was permitted to bear the name of the donor himself, or any other name they chose. Approximately 1500 "presentation" Spitfires were donated during the course of the war, representing about 17% of total production.<ref>[http://www.spitfiresociety.demon.co.uk/present.htm Spitfire society webpage.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403215725/http://www.spitfiresociety.demon.co.uk/present.htm |date=3 April 2009 }} Retrieved 16 February 2010</ref><ref>[http://spitfiresite.com/2010/04/the-kenya-presentation-spitfires.html Spitfires.com.] Retrieved: 13 July 2010</ref>


Criticised by squadron CO S/L James Ellis McComb for damaging his [[Spitfire]] on landing, Heath is said to have replied: "this is my Spit and I'll fly it any bloody way I like".<ref>[http://www.611squadronrauxaf.co.uk/news/051024BarrieHeath/051024BarrieHeath.html 611 Squadron website.] Retrieved 16 February 2010</ref>
Criticised by squadron commanding officer, Squadron Leader James Ellis McComb, for damaging his [[Spitfire]] on landing, Heath is said to have replied: "this is my Spit and I'll fly it any bloody way I like".<ref>[http://www.611squadronrauxaf.co.uk/news/051024BarrieHeath/051024BarrieHeath.html 611Squadronrauxaf.co.uk. Retrieved 16 February 2010.]</ref>


According to the official No. 611 Squadron RAF website, between June 1940 and February 1941 Heath shot down 4 enemy aircraft (including two "probables") and damaged two others.<ref>[http://www.611squadronrauxaf.co.uk/history/combatclaims.html 611 Squadron website] Retrieved: 16 February 2010</ref> He was made 'B' Flight Commander in November 1940.
According to the official No. 611 Squadron RAF website, between June 1940 and February 1941, Heath shot down 4 enemy aircraft (including two "probables") and damaged two others.<ref>[http://www.611squadronrauxaf.co.uk/history/combatclaims.html 611 Squadron website], 611Squadronrauxaf.co.uk. Retrieved 16 February 2010</ref> On 2nd June 1940 he took off 07.05 hrs. for sortie over Dunkirk and his Spitfire Mk.Ia N3061 was hit by bullet in the mast.


He was made 'B' Flight Commander in November 1940.
Early in 1941 he was posted to No. 64 Squadron, becoming CO in March 1941. He was rested in September 1941, transferring to Fighter Command HQ, and in late 1942 was Wing Commander, Tactics. In 1944 he became Wing Leader, 244 Wing in Italy, later commanding 324 Wing.
Early in 1941 he was posted to No. 64 Squadron, becoming CO in March 1941. He was rested in September 1941, transferring to Fighter Command HQ, and in late 1942 was Wing Commander, Tactics. In 1944, he became Wing Leader, 244 Wing in Italy, later commanding 324 Wing.{{cn|date=January 2023}}


{|class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable"
Line 53: Line 54:
|-
|-
| 2 June 1940
| 2 June 1940
| [[Junkers Ju87]]
| [[Junkers Ju 87]]
| Destroyed
| Destroyed
|-
|-
| 21 August 1940
| 21 August 1940
| [[Dornier Do17]]
| [[Dornier Do 17]]
| Probable
| Probable
|-
|-
| 11 October 1940
| 11 October 1940
| [[Dornier Do17]]
| [[Dornier Do 17]]
| Probable
| Probable
|-
|-
| 21 December 1940
| 21 December 1940
| [[Dornier Do17]]
| [[Dornier Do 17]]
| Damaged
| Damaged
|-
|-
| 29 December 1940
| 29 December 1940
| [[Dornier Do17]]
| [[Dornier Do 17]]
| Damaged
| Damaged
|-
|-
Line 75: Line 76:
| [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]]
| [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]]
| Destroyed
| Destroyed
|}<ref>'Those Other Eagles'; Shores, 2004, page 259</ref>
|}
In 1944, as the tide of war turned in favour of the Allies, Heath (by now Wing Commander Heath) served with [[No. 43 Squadron RAF]] in France, known by its squadron insignia as the "[[fighting cocks]]", or "les coqs Anglais" as the local French population dubbed it. By now the squadron's main role was ground attack, strafing and occasionally dive bombing enemy targets.
<ref>'Those Other Eagles'; Shores, 2004, page 259</ref>
In 1944, as the tide of war turned in favour of the Allies, Heath (by now Wing Commander Heath)
served with [[No. 43 Squadron RAF]] in [[France]], known by its squadron insignia as the "[[fighting cocks]]", or "les coqs Anglais" as the local French population dubbed it. By now the squadron's main role was ground attack, strafing and occasionally dive bombing enemy targets.


On 9 September 1944 Heath, now No. 324 Wing Commander and flying Spitfire IX MJ628, led a formation on the squadron's first sortie into German territory, strafing motor transport and railway communications.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=_rcsEah93-cC&pg=PA105&lpg=PA105&dq=barrie+heath+spitfire&source=bl&ots=EcT7ro9GNS&sig=TKnlIARD2yFXJX7KHUWfDZYTORI&hl=en&ei=MdrISbrkFtTIjAeFzonJAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA104,M1/ History of no43 Squadron, the "Fighting Cocks".] Retrieved: 16 February 2010</ref>
On 9 September 1944, Heath, now commander of [[No. 324 Wing RAF]] and flying Spitfire IX MJ628, led a formation on the squadron's first sortie into German territory, strafing motor transport and railway communications.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=_rcsEah93-cC&dq=barrie+heath+spitfire&pg=PA105 History of no43 Squadron, the "Fighting Cocks"]. Retrieved 16 February 2010.</ref>


== Postwar career ==
==Postwar career==
[[File:VintageRollsRoyce1924.jpg|right|thumb|Vintage Rolls Royce being driven by Barrie Heath.]]
[[File:Barrie Heath in RAF Uniform.jpg|thumb|Barrie Heath in RAF Uniform, circa 1940]]
[[File:VintageRollsRoyce1924.jpg|right|thumb|Vintage Rolls-Royce being driven by Barrie Heath.]]
After the war, Heath pursued a successful career in manufacturing industry. In 1946 he left the [[RAF]] and was appointed to the board of Hobourn aero components, Coventry.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1946/1946%20-%200061.html article at www.fightglobal.com.] Retrieved: 16 February 2010</ref> In 1960 he joined [[Triplex Safety Glass]] Ltd as their managing director and, in 1967, joined the board of the parent company [[Pilkington Brothers]]. In 1975 he took over from [[Raymond Brookes, Baron Brookes|Sir Raymond Brookes]] to become Chairman of the Industrial conglomerate [[GKN]], and in 1978 he received a knighthood.<ref name="sir"/><ref name="hon"/> Among the problems Heath had to contend with as Chairman were hyperinflation, the oil crisis, and declining demand for steel and automotive parts.
After the war, Heath pursued a successful career in manufacturing industry. In 1946 he left the [[RAF]] and was appointed to the board of Hobourn aero components, Coventry.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1946/1946%20-%200061.html article at www.fightglobal.com.] Retrieved: 16 February 2010</ref> In 1960 he joined [[Triplex Safety Glass]] Ltd as their managing director and, in 1967, joined the board of the parent company [[Pilkington Brothers]]. In 1975 he took over from [[Raymond Brookes, Baron Brookes|Sir Raymond Brookes]] to become chairman of the industrial conglomerate [[GKN]], and in 1978 he received a [[Knight Bachelor|knighthood]].<ref name="sir"/><ref name="hon"/> Among the problems Heath had to contend with as chairman were hyperinflation, the oil crisis, and declining demand for steel and automotive parts.


In an article in [[Time magazine]] in May 1979 he was described as "one of Britain's most respected business leaders", and as having "advised the new Conservative government 'not to rush in and try to bring in laws to restrict the unions. Such a course of action would be the death knell for British industry'."<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,916773-8,00.html Time Magazine, 14 May 1979.] Retrieved: 16 February 2010</ref>
In an article in ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine in May 1979 he was described as "one of Britain's most respected business leaders", and as having "advised the new Conservative government 'not to rush in and try to bring in laws to restrict the unions. Such a course of action would be the death knell for British industry'."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C916773-8%2C00.html |title=A Tory Wind of Change |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=14 May 1979 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417001217/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,916773-8,00.html |archive-date=17 April 2008}}</ref>


Tony Jeeves, a former colleague at GKN, described him as "a great boss, incredibly kind and generous but certainly did not suffer fools gladly...people either loved or hated him". He retired from GKN in 1980.<ref>[http://www.611squadronrauxaf.co.uk/news/051024BarrieHeath/051024BarrieHeath.html 611 website] Retrieved: 16 February 2010</ref>
Tony Jeeves, a former colleague at GKN, described him as "a great boss, incredibly kind and generous but certainly did not suffer fools gladly&nbsp;... people either loved or hated him". He retired from GKN in 1980.<ref>[http://www.611squadronrauxaf.co.uk/news/051024BarrieHeath/051024BarrieHeath.html 611 website] Retrieved: 16 February 2010</ref>


Barrie Heath and his wife Joan lived at [[Penn, Buckinghamshire|Penn village]] in Buckinghamshire, where, after his death, Lady Heath moved to a smaller property, swapping homes with her friend and neighbour, cookery writer [[Mary Berry]]. <ref>{{cite web |title=Two homes owned by TV superstar Mary Berry up for sale amid rumours of Henley move |url=http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/15595904.Two_homes_owned_by_TV_superstar_Mary_Berry_up_for_sale_amid_rumours_of_Henley_move/ |website=Bucks Free Press}}</ref> Their son [[Duncan Heath]] is a leading talent agent in [[London]], [[England]]. He is the co-chairman of the [[Independent Talent Group Ltd.]]
Barrie Heath and his wife, Joan, lived at [[Penn, Buckinghamshire]], where, after his death, Lady Heath moved to a smaller property, swapping homes with her friend and neighbour, cookery writer Dame [[Mary Berry]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Two homes owned by TV superstar Mary Berry up for sale amid rumours of Henley move |url=http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/15595904.Two_homes_owned_by_TV_superstar_Mary_Berry_up_for_sale_amid_rumours_of_Henley_move/ |website=Bucks Free Press|accessdate=19 January 2023}}</ref>


Their son, [[Duncan Heath|Duncan]], is a talent agent. Son Ian Heath (died 1996) was married to actress [[Vicki Hodge]] (daughter of [[Hodge baronets#Hodge baronets, of Chipstead (1921)|Sir John Rowland Hodge, 2nd Baronet]]) from 1969 to 1980.<ref>Burke's Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage, 107th edition, vol. 2, ed. Charles Mosley, Burke's Peerage Ltd, 2003, p. 1932</ref>
== Honours and awards ==
*29 April 1941 - Acting Squadron Leader Barrie Heath (90818), Auxiliary Air Force, No. 611 Squadron is awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)]] for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.<ref name="dfc"/>
*3 June 1978 - Barrie Heath, DFC, AE, group chairman of Guest Keen and Nettlefolds Limited is awarded the Honour of Knighthood for services to export which was presented on 12 July 1978.<ref name="sir"/><ref name="hon"/>


== References ==
==Honours and awards==
*29 April 1941 Acting Squadron Leader Barrie Heath (90818), Auxiliary Air Force, No. 611 Squadron is awarded the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.<ref name="dfc">{{London Gazette |issue=35148 |date=29 April 1941 |page=2446 }}</ref>
{{Reflist|refs=
*3 June 1978 Barrie Heath, DFC, AE, group chairman of Guest Keen and Nettlefolds Limited is awarded the Honour of Knighthood for services to export which was presented on 12 July 1978.<ref name="hon">{{London Gazette |issue=47549 |date=3 June 1978 |page=6229 }}</ref><ref name="sir">{{London Gazette |issue=47601 |date=25 July 1978 |page=8920 }}</ref>
<ref name="dfc">{{London Gazette |issue=35148 |date=29 April 1941 |page=2446 }}</ref>

<ref name="hon">{{London Gazette |issue=47549 |date=3 June 1978 |page=6229 }}</ref>
==References==
<ref name="sir">{{London Gazette |issue=47601 |date=25 July 1978 |page=8920 }}</ref>
{{Reflist}}
}}


== Bibliography ==
==Bibliography==
*Saunders, Andy. (2003). ''No 43 Squadron (Aviation Elite Units)'' Osprey Publishing. {{ISBN|978-1-84176-439-9}}
*Saunders, Andy. (2003). ''No 43 Squadron (Aviation Elite Units)'' Osprey Publishing. {{ISBN|978-1-84176-439-9}}


== External links ==
==External links==
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=_rcsEah93-cC&pg=PA105&lpg=PA105&dq=barrie+heath+spitfire&source=bl&ots=EcT7ro9GNS&sig=TKnlIARD2yFXJX7KHUWfDZYTORI&hl=en&ei=MdrISbrkFtTIjAeFzonJAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA104,M1/ History of no43 Squadron, the "Fighting Cocks".] Retrieved: 16 February 2010.
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=_rcsEah93-cC&dq=barrie+heath+spitfire&pg=PA105 History of no43 Squadron, the "Fighting Cocks".] Retrieved: 16 February 2010.
*[http://www.spitfiresociety.demon.co.uk/present.htm Spitfire society webpage.] Retrieved: 16 February 2010.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090403215725/http://www.spitfiresociety.demon.co.uk/present.htm Spitfire society webpage.] Retrieved: 16 February 2010.
*[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1946/1946%20-%200061.html article at www.fightglobal.com.] Retrieved: 16 February 2010.
*[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1946/1946%20-%200061.html article at www.fightglobal.com.] Retrieved: 16 February 2010.
*[http://www.611squadronrauxaf.co.uk/history/combatclaims.html Official 611 Squadron website.] Retrieved: 16 February 2010.
*[http://www.611squadronrauxaf.co.uk/history/combatclaims.html Official 611 Squadron website.] Retrieved: 16 February 2010.
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[[Category:1916 births]]
[[Category:1916 births]]
[[Category:1988 deaths]]
[[Category:1988 deaths]]
[[Category:British manufacturing chief executives]]
[[Category:Knights Bachelor]]
[[Category:Knights Bachelor]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force pilots of World War II]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force pilots of World War II]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force officers]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force wing commanders]]
[[Category:English aviators]]
[[Category:English aviators]]
[[Category:The Few]]
[[Category:The Few]]

Latest revision as of 21:47, 25 October 2024

Barrie Heath
Barrie Heath photographed on the wing of Spitfire IIa P7883 "Grahame Heath", which had been donated by his parents in memory of his older brother, a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps who was killed in the First World War
Born(1916-09-11)11 September 1916
Kings Norton, Warwickshire, England
Died22 February 1988(1988-02-22) (aged 71)[1]
Buckinghamshire, England
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service / branchRoyal Air Force
Years of service1938–1946
RankWing commander
UnitNo. 611 Squadron RAF
No. 43 Squadron RAF
CommandsNo. 324 Wing RAF
Battles / warsSecond World War
AwardsKnight Bachelor
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Efficiency Award
Other workTriplex Safety Glass Ltd employee (1960)
Pilkington Brothers director (1967)
Chairman of GKN (1975)
Barrie Heath poses in front of a section of a downed German aircraft, 1941.

Sir Barrie Heath, DFC, AE (11 September 1916 – 22 February 1988) was a Royal Air Force Spitfire pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Heath shot down four enemy aircraft (including two "probables") and damaged two others. After the Second World War he had a successful career in industry, rising to become chairman of the industrial conglomerate GKN. In 1978 he received a knighthood for services to export.

Early life

[edit]

Heath was born in Kings Norton, Warwickshire, on 11 September 1916. His older brother Grahame was a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps and was killed in action in the First World War.

Second World War

[edit]
Spitfire Mk IIa P7350 of the BBMF is the only existing airworthy Spitfire that fought in the Battle of Britain.
Plaque awarded to G.F. Heath to commemorate his "Presentation Spitfire"

Heath saw active service in 1940 with No. 611 Squadron RAF, flying in Spitfire IIa P7883 "Grahame Heath", which had been donated by his father G.F. Heath in memory of his son Grahame.[2]

Such donations were not uncommon at the time; many patriotic individuals as well as towns and other organisations were encouraged to donate the cost of an airframe. The cost of a Spitfire was set by the government at £5,000, a very large sum at the time, although the real cost of manufacturing the aircraft was more than £10,000. By way of honouring the donation, the aircraft was permitted to bear the name of the donor himself, or any other name they chose. Approximately 1500 "presentation" Spitfires were donated during the course of the war, representing about 17% of total production.[3][4]

Criticised by squadron commanding officer, Squadron Leader James Ellis McComb, for damaging his Spitfire on landing, Heath is said to have replied: "this is my Spit and I'll fly it any bloody way I like".[5]

According to the official No. 611 Squadron RAF website, between June 1940 and February 1941, Heath shot down 4 enemy aircraft (including two "probables") and damaged two others.[6] On 2nd June 1940 he took off 07.05 hrs. for sortie over Dunkirk and his Spitfire Mk.Ia N3061 was hit by bullet in the mast.

He was made 'B' Flight Commander in November 1940. Early in 1941 he was posted to No. 64 Squadron, becoming CO in March 1941. He was rested in September 1941, transferring to Fighter Command HQ, and in late 1942 was Wing Commander, Tactics. In 1944, he became Wing Leader, 244 Wing in Italy, later commanding 324 Wing.[citation needed]

Dates Aircraft Result
2 June 1940 Junkers Ju 87 Destroyed
21 August 1940 Dornier Do 17 Probable
11 October 1940 Dornier Do 17 Probable
21 December 1940 Dornier Do 17 Damaged
29 December 1940 Dornier Do 17 Damaged
5 February 1941 Messerschmitt Bf 109 Destroyed

[7]

In 1944, as the tide of war turned in favour of the Allies, Heath (by now Wing Commander Heath) served with No. 43 Squadron RAF in France, known by its squadron insignia as the "fighting cocks", or "les coqs Anglais" as the local French population dubbed it. By now the squadron's main role was ground attack, strafing and occasionally dive bombing enemy targets.

On 9 September 1944, Heath, now commander of No. 324 Wing RAF and flying Spitfire IX MJ628, led a formation on the squadron's first sortie into German territory, strafing motor transport and railway communications.[8]

Postwar career

[edit]
Barrie Heath in RAF Uniform, circa 1940
Vintage Rolls-Royce being driven by Barrie Heath.

After the war, Heath pursued a successful career in manufacturing industry. In 1946 he left the RAF and was appointed to the board of Hobourn aero components, Coventry.[9] In 1960 he joined Triplex Safety Glass Ltd as their managing director and, in 1967, joined the board of the parent company Pilkington Brothers. In 1975 he took over from Sir Raymond Brookes to become chairman of the industrial conglomerate GKN, and in 1978 he received a knighthood.[10][11] Among the problems Heath had to contend with as chairman were hyperinflation, the oil crisis, and declining demand for steel and automotive parts.

In an article in Time magazine in May 1979 he was described as "one of Britain's most respected business leaders", and as having "advised the new Conservative government 'not to rush in and try to bring in laws to restrict the unions. Such a course of action would be the death knell for British industry'."[12]

Tony Jeeves, a former colleague at GKN, described him as "a great boss, incredibly kind and generous but certainly did not suffer fools gladly ... people either loved or hated him". He retired from GKN in 1980.[13]

Barrie Heath and his wife, Joan, lived at Penn, Buckinghamshire, where, after his death, Lady Heath moved to a smaller property, swapping homes with her friend and neighbour, cookery writer Dame Mary Berry.[14]

Their son, Duncan, is a talent agent. Son Ian Heath (died 1996) was married to actress Vicki Hodge (daughter of Sir John Rowland Hodge, 2nd Baronet) from 1969 to 1980.[15]

Honours and awards

[edit]
  • 29 April 1941 – Acting Squadron Leader Barrie Heath (90818), Auxiliary Air Force, No. 611 Squadron is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.[16]
  • 3 June 1978 – Barrie Heath, DFC, AE, group chairman of Guest Keen and Nettlefolds Limited is awarded the Honour of Knighthood for services to export which was presented on 12 July 1978.[11][10]

References

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  1. ^ http://www.thesoutheastecho.co.uk/Fighter_Pilots_H.htm Archived 3 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved: 25 January 2011. (Source for death only).
  2. ^ Spitfire society webpage. Archived 3 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved: 16 February 2010
  3. ^ Spitfire society webpage. Archived 3 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 16 February 2010
  4. ^ Spitfires.com. Retrieved: 13 July 2010
  5. ^ 611Squadronrauxaf.co.uk. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  6. ^ 611 Squadron website, 611Squadronrauxaf.co.uk. Retrieved 16 February 2010
  7. ^ 'Those Other Eagles'; Shores, 2004, page 259
  8. ^ History of no43 Squadron, the "Fighting Cocks". Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  9. ^ article at www.fightglobal.com. Retrieved: 16 February 2010
  10. ^ a b "No. 47601". The London Gazette. 25 July 1978. p. 8920.
  11. ^ a b "No. 47549". The London Gazette. 3 June 1978. p. 6229.
  12. ^ "A Tory Wind of Change". Time. 14 May 1979. p. 8. Archived from the original on 17 April 2008.
  13. ^ 611 website Retrieved: 16 February 2010
  14. ^ "Two homes owned by TV superstar Mary Berry up for sale amid rumours of Henley move". Bucks Free Press. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  15. ^ Burke's Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage, 107th edition, vol. 2, ed. Charles Mosley, Burke's Peerage Ltd, 2003, p. 1932
  16. ^ "No. 35148". The London Gazette. 29 April 1941. p. 2446.

Bibliography

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