Horace Mills

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Swanage branch

Died: 17 August 1942

Horace Albert Mills was born in Exeter on 18 August 1889, the son of Robert and Sarah Mills. In June 1908 he joined the staff of London & County Bank at its London Aldersgate branch. 

He remained with the bank for the next 34 years, as it became London County & Westminster Bank and, eventually, Westminster Bank. He served at Bexhill on Sea, Worthing, Eastbourne and Salisbury branches before being appointed manager of Swanage branch in 1933. Outside work he was a sidesman and deputy warden at his church and was involved with numerous local societies and activities. He was a keen and successful bowler, and was president of his local bowling club for many years. 

On the morning of 17 August 1942 Mills was on duty inside his branch on Institute Road when enemy aircraft attacked Swanage. A bomb fell on the adjoining property, destroying the branch and killing Mr Mills, the day before his 53rd birthday. He was survived by his wife Edith, whom he had married in 1928. 

The local newspaper later carried a tribute to him: 

Gracious and courteous to all with whom he dealt,

Regardless of their ‘credit’ or their rank

Surely no man of kindlier nature ever dwelt

On earth within the precincts of a bank.