At the beginning of the Second World War, Heath joined the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) and was posted to the Middle East. After less than a year he was shipped home, but escaped the guard during the journey and went to Johannesburg.
Heath's military service commenced when he joined the RASC at the outbreak of World War II, and he was subsequently deployed to the Middle East. Following a brief period, he was sent back home but seized an opportunity to escape from his guards during transit and eventually arrived in Johannesburg.