That's absolutely true, there never was a Bernie the Bolt who was called Bernie. The name was chosen for its alliteration (suggested, I think, by Bob Monkhouse). Bernie, however, was not the first 'boltman' - this was Heinz.
Derek Young, Alan Bailey and Johnny Baker were the 'Bernies'. Heinz was the 'Heinz'. I found a good site on this show a couple of years back, but I can't seem to find it again. However, there is some information here:http://www.ukgameshows.com/atoz/programmes/g/golde n_shot/