Frederick Reynolds

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Watford branch

Died: 6 March 1945

Frederick Thomas Reynolds was born on 17 September 1915, and started working for Westminster Bank at its Watford branch in May 1935. He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1938, and at the outbreak of war in 1939 was mobilised for active service. 

He spent most of his war service as a pilot with fighter squadrons, undertaking a large amount of night operational duty. He was on night patrol duty when, on 6 March 1945, his plane developed engine trouble and crashed shortly after taking off from an aerodrome in France. Both Reynolds and the plane's Observer were killed. Flight Lieutenant Reynolds was 29 years old and left a widow, Renne, whom he had married in 1942. 

A bank colleague later recalled, 'this splendid young fellow will be much missed by all who knew him. He was always cheerful and ever-ready to help others. The bank has lost an excellent member of the staff.'