John Bradley

Bank: Ulster Bank

Place of work: Head Office, Belfast

Died: 15 October 1941

John Whitfield Bradley was born on 19 May 1918, the son of David and Minnie Bradley. In March 1937 he went to work for Ulster Bank at its head office in Belfast. In May 1938 he moved to Belfast Crumlin Road branch, and then back to head office in April 1939. 

In June 1940 Bradley left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He trained as a pilot and eventually flew Blenheim bomber aircraft. On 15 October 1941 the Blenheim he was piloting was lost without a trace after takeoff from its UK base. The aircraft's crew, including Pilot Officer Bradley, were all killed on that day, although they were initially listed as missing and his death was not presumed until May 1942. John Bradley was 23 years old when he was killed. 

John Bradley is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the Second World War and its memorial for those who fell.