Harry Bennett

Harry Bennett was an American businessman and security chief for the Ford Motor Company. He is best known for his role as head of the Ford Service Department's internal security force, which was virtually autonomous from the company's management, between 1921 and 1945.

Harry Bennett was the head of the Ford Service Department's internal security force, which was responsible for the protection of factory property and the investigation of employee grievances.

Harry Bennett had a reputation for being a tough and ruthless enforcer. He was known for his authoritarian management style and for using violence and intimidation to suppress labor unrest and union organizing activities at Ford.

Harry Bennett's downfall came in 1937 when he led a violent attack on union organizers from the United Auto Workers (UAW) at the Ford River Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan. The attack, known as the "Battle of the Overpass," resulted in several injuries and received widespread media attention. This incident, along with increasing public pressure and changes in Ford's management, ultimately led to Bennett's removal from his position in 1945.

After leaving Ford, Harry Bennett went on to work as a private investigator and security consultant. He also wrote a memoir titled "We Never Called Him Henry" in which he defended his actions and portrayed himself as a loyal and dedicated employee of the Ford Motor Company. Bennett died in 1979 at the age of 84.