Eric Baylis

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Patricroft branch

Died: 27 June 1944

Eric Charles Baylis was born on 29 April 1918, the son of Gilbert Henry and Florence Baylis. He joined the staff of Westminster Bank at its Leigh Chapel Street branch on his 17th birthday in April 1935. He transferred to Patricroft branch in July 1937. A colleague later recalled that ‘his cheerful and happy disposition had endeared himself to all with whom he worked’. 

Outside work Baylis was a member of the Territorial Army, serving in the Searchlight Section of the Royal Artillery. On the outbreak of war in September 1939 Baylis was called up for full-time military service. He served in Egypt in 1942 and later received his commission, transferring to the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.  

Second Lieutenant Baylis was subsequently posted to Italy, where he saw active service at Salerno and was among the first troops to enter Rome. He was subsequently wounded on the Arezzo front and died on 27 June 1944. He was 26 years old. 

Eric Baylis is commemorated on a bank war memorial held at NatWest Group Archives.