Gilbert Hawkins

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Williton branch

Died: 12 August 1944

Gilbert Bryan Hawkins was born on 28 March 1918, the son of Gilbert Harold Hawkins, a chemist, and  his wife Dorothy Mary. He joined Westminster Bank at its Williton branch in November 1936. Outside work he was a keen rugby player and played for Taunton Rugby Club. He was also a territorial soldier.

At the outbreak of war in September 1939 Hawkins was mobilised for military service. He served at first in England, and then volunteered to fight in the Middle East and Africa. He was sent to Africa to join the Northumbrian Brigade, with whom he served in Egypt and Tunisia. He was also involved in the invasion of Sicily. He went on to undertake a role training troops before taking part, with the Somerset Light Infantry, in the first Normandy landings on D Day. 

Captain Hawkins was killed in action near Caen, Normandy, on 12 August 1944. He was 26 years old. 

Gilbert Hawkins is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest Minehead branch.