Cyril Dear

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Head Office, London

Died: 30 March 1943

Cyril Barry Dear was born on 21 January 1910, the son of Herbert Reginald and Gertrude Barry Dear. He joined the staff of Westminster Bank in March 1927 at its head office on Lothbury, London, where he remained throughout his bank career. Outside work he was a keen tennis player, and enjoyed spending time in the countryside. 

In August 1941 Dear left the bank to go on war service, becoming a Sergeant in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was based in Egypt when he was killed during air operations on 30 March 1943. He was 33 years old. A bank colleague later recalled, 'he was a most efficient officer in the bank and a model of gentleness and courtesy. By nature reserved, he was very loveable...A very 'gentil knight' has gone from our midst and we shall sorely miss him.'