Leslie Loft

Bank: National Provincial Bank

Place of work: Birmingham branch

Died: 9 April 1944

Leslie George Loft was born on 5 April 1908, the son of Lillian May and BG Loft, a naval officer. He was educated at Portsmouth Boy's Southern Secondary School. He joined the staff of National Provincial Bank as a probationer at its Portsea branch in November 1924. He was promoted to junior clerk in 1925, and to clerk in 1927. He worked in several branches over the next 14 years, including Worthing (1928), Ilford (1929), Twickenham (1932), Birmingham (1934), Solihull (1936), Birmingham Horsefair branch (1937), and back to Birmingham (1940). His colleagues held him in high regard, commenting on his cheerful outlook towards life, his friendly disposition, and his readiness to assist others.

In August 1941 Loft left the bank to go on military service, joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was very successful in his training, and spent time on duty in Iceland, Ireland, and England. On 9 April 1944, 4 days after his 36th birthday, Flight Lieutenant Loft was killed in action. He left a widow, Joyce, and two sons.