Ronald Barrett

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: London Threadneedle Street office

Died: 12 September 1942

Ronald Jack Barrett was born on 16 May 1921, the son of John Thomas and Evelina Emily Barrett. He joined the staff of Westminster Bank at its trustee department on Threadneedle Street, London, on his 17th birthday in May 1938. A colleague later recalled ‘his quiet and unassuming manner, and the high standard he set himself in his work.’

Barrett joined the Home Guard as soon as it was established, and in June 1941 left the bank to go on full-time war service, joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Several months later he was sent abroad to train as an observer.  

On 12 September 1942 Sergeant Barrett was on his way back to Britain after completing his training when the ship on which he was travelling, HMT Laconia, was torpedoed and sunk in the South Atlantic. Barrett was one among many passengers and crew lost. He was 21 years old. 

Ronald Barrett is commemorated on a bank war memorial held at NatWest Group Archives.