Frederick Heaton

Sir John Frederick Heaton (1880–1949), road transport administrator

1880 born in Bradford

Attended Bradford Technical College; studied accountancy

1915 Appointed accountant in the south London firm of Thomas Tilling.

Heaton became Tilling's company secretary, being elected to the board in 1921.

1929 On the death of Richard Tilling, a son of the founder, the Tilling family was persuaded to leave the management of the business in Heaton's hands; he became chairman next year.

Confronted Sir Ralph Wedgwood, general manager of the London and North Eastern Railway, over the National Omnibus and Transport Co, eventually reaching agreement that the railways received a share of the bus companies' profits, but no more than 49 per cent of the equity.

1941-44 Served on the Inland Transport War Council until 1944

1942 Knighted

1942-5 Unpaid chairman of Short Brothers (Rochester and Bedford), on behalf of the government.

1949 Obituary Sir John Frederick Heaton died aged 68 years. Until nationalisation last year he was chairman of Thomas Tilling. Born 18th October 1880 and joined the company 33 years ago. Twice married and leaves three sons and two daughters (more information given).

See Also

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Sources of Information

• Biography, ODNB