Charles Bruce-Gardner

Who was Charles Bruce-Gardner?

Sir Charles Bruce-Gardner 1st Baronet Bruce-Gardner, was an English industrialist, specialising in mechanical and aircraft production.

Born Charles Bruce Gardner in London, he was the son of Henry Gardner and Florence Arliss. Educated at St. Dunstan's College and Battersea College of Technology, he was registered as a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

A director of John Summers & Sons from 1913, he subsequently became chairman of the John Lysaght Group He was also deputy-chairman of the Steel Company of Wales, a director of the Consett Iron Company and GKN, and chairman of British Iron and Steel Federation. He later became president of the Iron and Steel Institute.

Appointed an industrial advisor to the Governor of the Bank of England, as Chairman of the Society of British Aircraft Constructors from 1938 to 1943, he advised on the Shadow factory plan.

Changing his name by deed poll on 21 December 1937 to Charles Bruce-Gardner, he was knighted in the New Years honours list of 1938. He was created 1st Baronet Bruce-Gardner, of Frilford, Berkshire, on 12 February 1945.