John Garlett

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: London Berners Street branch

Died: 30 April 1941

John Shelton Garlett was born on 31 January 1920, the son of Shelton and Daisy Garlett. He was educated at St Dunstan's College, Catford and joined the staff of Westminster Bank in February 1937. From April that year he was based at the bank's London Berners Street branch. Outside work he played rugby, and represented the bank in its staff 1st XV for several seasons. 

In July 1940 he left the bank to go on active service in the Royal Navy. On 30 April 1941 he was part of the crew of Nerissa, a passenger steam ship carrying Canadian troops, among others, across the Atlantic. The ship was struck and sunk by an enemy U-boat. Able Seaman Garlett was among more than 200 passengers and crew killed. He was 21 years old. His obituary in the bank's staff magazine noted, 'His loss is greatly felt at the branch, but his willingness at all times to do his bit, his happy spirit and cheerful disposition will be long remembered.'

John Garlett is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest London Dean Street branch.