John Standrick

Bank: Coutts & Co

Place of work: London Strand office

Died: 22 February 1918

John Harold Standrick was born in Barton Regis, near Bristol, in 1892, the son of Alfred and Mary Jane Standrick. In May 1912 he went to work for Coutts & Co in London.

In May 1915 Standrick left his job in the bank's securities department to join the army, initially in the Inns of Court Officers Training Corps. He was commissioned into the London Regiment, and served in France, Salonika, Macedonia, Egypt and Palestine. By February 1918 he held the rank of Acting Captain. He was wounded in action near Jerusalem on 20 February 1918, and died of his injuries two days later. He was 25 years old.

Standrick was posthumously awarded the Military Cross for his actions at the Battle of Beersheba. The medal citation noted: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. It was due to his skill and ability as a leader that the success of the main operation against the enemy defence line was so marked. Throughout the day he showed exceptional skill in handling his company and a complete indifference to danger'.

John Standrick is commemorated on a bank war memorial at Coutts & Co, London 440 Strand.