Frederick Heath-Caldwell


Frederick Crofton Heath-Caldwell, was a senior British Army officer, who also served in the early Royal Air Force. Joining the Royal Engineers in 1877, he saw active service during the Anglo-Egyptian War, the Mahdist War, and the Boer War. During the First World War, he was posted to the War Office, served as General Officer Commanding of Portsmouth, and, in what was to be his final military appointment, served as GOC South East Area in the newly created Royal Air Force. In retirement, he was a magistrate in Chester.

Personal and family life

Heath-Caldwell was the second son of Vice Admiral Sir Leopold Heath. He took the name Heath-Caldwell after inheriting the Linley Wood estate in Talke, Staffordshire in 1913 from a great aunt. In 1889, he married Constance Mary Helsham-Jones, daughter of Colonel Henry Helsham-Jones. They had two sons: Cuthbert Helsham Heath-Caldwell, a decorated Royal Navy officer, and Martin Frederick Heath-Caldwell, who was killed in action during the First World War.
A keen sportsman, he played in the 1878 FA Cup Final as part of the Royal Engineers A.F.C..