John Heaton-Armstrong

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Sir John Dunamace Heaton-Armstrong, MVO (1888-1967) was a long-serving English officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. His first heraldic appointment at the College came on 6 April 1922, when he was made Rouge Dragon Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary. On 14 October 1926, Heaton-Armstrong was promoted to the position of Chester Herald of Arms in Ordinary. This office was made vacant by the promotion of Arthur Cochrane to the office of Norroy King of Arms. While holding this post, Heaton-Armstrong took a leave from the College of Arms to fight in World War II. During this conflict, he rose to the rank of Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force. When the war ended, Heaton-Armstrong continued in this post until 1956 and the death of Archibald George Blomefield Russel. At this time, Heaton-Armstrong was promoted to the office of Clarenceux King of Arms. As such, he was responsible for the granting of arms in his jurisdiction south of the River Trent. No doubt because of his war service and perhaps by virtue of his being a King of Arms, Heaton-Armstrong held for some period the honorary post of Inspector of Royal Air Force Badges. Heaton-Armstrong continued to serve as Clarenceux until his own death in late 1967.

Heaton-Armstrong's own coat of arms was blazoned Quarterly (1 and 4) Gules three dexter Arms embowed in armour Argent the Hands closed proper (2 and 3) Vert a Lion rampant Argent.