Raymond Rolfe

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Bedford branch

Died: 19 March 1943

Raymond Robert Seppings Rolfe was born on 10 August 1920, the only son of Seppings and Alice Mary Rolfe. He was educated at Culford Private School. 

In February 1938 he joined the staff of Westminster Bank, working at its Bedford branch. Outside work he enjoyed swimming, tennis and football.

In July 1940 he left the bank to join the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. After gaining his wings he served for some months as an instructor, and then completed a number of operations with two- and four-engine bombers. Flight Sergeant Rolfe was reported missing, later presumed to have been killed, on air operations over Germany on 19 March 1943. He was 22 years old.  

A bank colleague later recalled, 'Raymond Rolfe possessed a very cheerful and likeable disposition, and there was every evidence of a good future in the bank... The notice of his presumed death has created a feeling of much sadness among his old colleagues.'

Raymond Rolfe is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest Bedford 81 High Street branch.