Anthony Eyre

Bank: National Provincial Bank

Place of work: London Piccadilly branch

Died: 16 February 1946

Anthony Eyre was born on 12 November 1918, the son of Mr and Mrs GWB Eyre. He was educated at Whitgift School, Croydon before joining the staff of National Provincial Bank as a probationer at London Piccadilly branch in July 1935. He was promoted to junior clerk in October 1935 and to clerk in October 1937.

Outside work Eyre was a member of the Auxiliary Air Force, commissioned in 1938. In August 1939 he left the bank to go on full time war service in the Royal Air Force. In January 1940 he was promoted to Flying Officer. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross in August 1940 for his 'great devotion to duty' while serving in France, including acting as a courier. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant in January 1941; Squadron Leader in December 1941; and Wing Commander in February 1942. In March 1942 Eyre was shot down over France and taken prisoner. He remained in a German prisoner of war camp until he was liberated in May 1945. 

On 16 February 1946 while on a practice flight near Swansea, Eyre’s plane developed engine trouble. While he was attempting an emergency landing at RAF St Athan the engine cut out altogether and his plane struck a tree. Wing Commander Eyre was killed instantly. He was 27 years old.