Tony Bartley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Bartley
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Bartley in 1957
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| Birth name | Anthony Charles Bartley |
| Born | 28 March 1919 Dacca, India |
| Died | 18 April 2001 (aged 82) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939–1946 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit | No. 92 Squadron RAF No. 74 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | No. 111 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Relations | Lex Shrapnel (grandson) |
| Other work | Test pilot, television and film executive, and author |
Anthony Charles Bartley (born March 28, 1919 – died April 18, 2001) was a British pilot and later a successful film and television executive. During Second World War, he was a brave Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot who flew Spitfire planes. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in the Battle of Britain, where he became known as a "fighter ace." This means he shot down at least five enemy aircraft.
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Early Life and Education
Tony Bartley was born in Dacca, India, on March 28, 1919. His father, Sir Charles Bartley, was a judge in India. Tony attended Stowe School, a boarding school for boys located in Buckinghamshire, England.
Becoming an RAF Pilot
In 1938, Tony Bartley learned how to fly airplanes. He officially joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) on April 18, 1939. His rank was acting pilot officer, which became permanent later that year.
Flying in World War II
Bartley flew with No. 92 Squadron during the Battle of France. He saw action over Dunkirk, helping with the evacuation of soldiers. He then fought in the important Battle of Britain. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in October 1940. By this time, he had shot down at least eight enemy aircraft.
After serving with No. 74 Squadron in early 1941, Bartley became an instructor. He taught other pilots how to fly and fight. In July 1941, he became a test pilot for Vickers Supermarine, the company that made Spitfires. He tested new planes to make sure they were safe and ready for combat.
Leading Squadrons
In early 1942, Bartley returned to active flying. He joined No. 65 Squadron as a flight commander. By May 1942, he was in charge of the entire squadron. In August 1942, he took command of No. 111 Squadron. He led them during Operation Torch in North Africa until January 1943. For his service in North Africa, he received a bar to his DFC in February 1943. This meant he had earned the DFC a second time.
After returning to the United Kingdom, he worked with No. 83 Group RAF. In October 1944, he went to the United States to study at the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He also attended the School of Air Tactics. His next job was working with the 70th Fighter Wing. In October 1944, he joined RAF Transport Command in the Far East.
By the end of the war, Tony Bartley had a remarkable combat record. He had shot down 12 enemy aircraft, shared credit for one more, and likely destroyed five others. He also damaged eight enemy planes.
Medals Auction
In November 2021, it was announced that the seven medals Tony Bartley received for his service would be sold at an auction in London.
Life After the War
After leaving the RAF in 1946, Bartley went back to work for Vickers-Armstrong. He worked in sales and continued his work as a test pilot.
Working in Film
In November 1945, Tony Bartley married the famous actress Deborah Kerr. He had met her through his older sister, Patricia Bartley, who worked as a codebreaker during the war. After their marriage, Tony moved to Hollywood.
In the film industry, Tony Bartley worked in many different roles. He worked in the United States, Canada, Barbados, and Ireland. He helped start several companies, wrote and produced films for television, and held executive positions.
Family Life
Tony Bartley and Deborah Kerr had two daughters, Francesca and Melanie. Through Francesca, they had three grandsons: actors Lex Shrapnel and Tom Shrapnel, and writer Joe Shrapnel. Tony and Deborah divorced in 1959. In 1965, he married Victoria Mann.
Tony Bartley passed away in 2001. He was survived by Victoria Mann and their two daughters, Cindy and Teresa. Victoria Mann passed away in 2019.
