Geoffrey Raymond

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: London Lombard Street office

Died: 24 February 1944

Geoffrey Thomas Raymond was born on 29 August 1906, the son of Thomas Morgan Raymond, a banker, and his wife Beatrice Annie. In March 1924 he followed his father in joining the staff of Westminster Bank, working at its London Lombard Street office. He also joined the bank's staff sports club, and became secretary of its rifle club. His other hobbies included fishing and photography.

In October 1941 Raymond left the bank to join the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was promoted to Pilot Officer in December 1942 and Flying Officer in June 1943. He earned a reputation for accurate shooting while airborne - no doubt drawing on skills he had honed in his rifle shooting days. For a time he was seconded to the United States Air Force as a weapons instructor. 

Flying Officer Raymond was killed during sea-mining air operations on 24 February 1944. He was 37 years old and left a widow, Alice, and a young son. A bank colleague recalled that he 'was blessed with a happy disposition, and showed great keenness in his work, which would have taken him far, had he been spared.'

Geoffrey Raymond is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest City of London office.