William Chiddick

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: London Lombard Street office

Died: 5 October 1942

William Edward Ambrose Chiddick was born on 12 April 1912, the son of Richard and Rosa Margaret Clifton Chiddick. He joined the staff of Westminster Bank in July 1929, and from 1930 was based at the bank's London Lombard Street office. He was an active member of the bank's staff sports club. He played for several seasons in the bank's football first XI and also occasionally in the bank's hockey team. A bank colleague later recalled him as 'an excellent colleague...efficient and imperturbably cheery.'

Chiddick was a territorial soldier from 1937, and was called to active duty at the outbreak of war in September 1939. He served in France from October 1939 until June 1940, and transferred to the Royal Air Force in March 1941. He obtained his wings six months later, and just before his death had been granted his commission, although he died before news of his promotion reached him. 

Pilot Officer Chiddick was killed during air operations on 5 October 1942. He was 30 years old and left a widow, Marjorie, whom he had married in 1939, and a baby son. 

William Chiddick is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest City of London office.