13 Facts About Brian Burnett

The grandson of Ernest Burnett, Burnett was born in Hyderabad in India, where his father was principal of Nizam College.

Brian Burnett was educated at Charterhouse School, Heidelberg University and Wadham College in Oxford.

Brian Burnett joined the Reserve of Air Force Officers in 1932 and transferred to the RAF in 1934.

Brian Burnett's name came to prominence in 1938, when he was the navigator and second pilot of a Wellesley bomber that completed a record-breaking non-stop flight of 7,158 miles from Ismailia in Egypt to Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, for which Brian Burnett was awarded the AFC.

Brian Burnett served in World War II as Commander of No 51 Whitley Squadron and then as Commander of No 33 Air Navigation School in Canada before becoming Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters No 25 Group in 1944.

Brian Burnett served on the Joint Planning Staff at the Air Ministry from 1949 and became Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters No 3 Bomber Group from 1951.

Brian Burnett was made Station Commander at the RAF 'V' Bomber Station RAF Gaydon in 1954, Director of Bombing and Reconnaissance Operations at the Air Ministry in 1956 and Air Officer in charge of Administration at Headquarters RAF Bomber Command in 1959.

Brian Burnett went on to be Air Officer Commanding No 3 Group in 1961, Vice-Chief of the Air Staff in 1964 and Air Secretary in 1967.

Brian Burnett's chairmanship was highly influential in shaping the modern history of the club.

Brian Burnett is credited with giving a young John McEnroe a steer in the right direction following numerous reportings of McEnroe to the referee's office.

Brian Burnett felt that the Royal Box should be utilised when members of the royal family were not in attendance and implemented this rule.

Brian Burnett was a keen sports player and received many accolades including two Blues at Oxford University.

Brian Burnett is survived by his two sons Robert and Bruce.