Bernard Lawrence Hieatt was an aviator and racing car / bike driver who was “called in his hour of victory” on May 3rd 1930, aged 21 years, having established two world records for 200 mile motorcycle and sidecar endurance speed at Brooklands (Britain’s first ever purpose built racing circuit). To get a feel for the place, why not visit their web site? www.brooklands.org.uk/intro.HTM.

I looked him up in a book of 1920's Brooklands motorcycle racers I've got, and he's mentioned several times. He was one of very few motorcyclists to win the coveted Gold Star at Brooklands for lapping in excess of 100 mph. He was awarded it on Sat Oct 19th 1929, when he lapped the outer circuit at Brooklands at 104.85 mph on a 498cc Zenith-Blackburne. You may have heard of the famous BSA Gold Star - it was the Brooklands gold star that the name relates to, it was recognized as such a prestigious feat! Don’t forget, Brooklands was the only racing circuit in Britain at the time, so winning at Brooklands was the best in Britain.

Sat July 28th 1928 saw him win the Brooklands 500cc race on a 498c Cotton/Blackburne (I think I've seen one of these at the Isle of Man motorcycle museum, I'll keep my eyes open for one).

1929..."The enormous entry of 50 machines was entered for the 1000cc All Comers Handicap was spread over two heats. The first was won by Reg Barber (596cc Matchless) at 101.2 mph, the second by Bernard Hieatt (348 Cotton Blackburne)at 91.8 mph. Hieatt won the final, with Barber second."

There is an amazing memorial to the Bernard Lawrence in Reading cemetery (UK). It’s life sized, and he's wearing 1920's motorcycle gear - leather 'chauffeur' style jacket; knee length laced boots; old leather, cork and aluminum crash helmet; and he obviously smoked, as his fingers are opened for a cigarette!

Monumental inscription reads…

To the fond and beautiful memory of Bernard Laurence, eldest son of B.L. and L. Hieatt who was suddenly called away in his hour of victory on May 3rd 1930 after creating two world records in the two hundred miles motorcycle and sidecar race at Brooklands. Aged 21 years. -: - "Abitter grief, a shock severe to part with one we loved so dear. Our loss is great, we'll not complain, but hope in heaven to meet again"