Robert Richards

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Derby Midland Road branch

Died: 1 March 1942

Robert Richards was born on 8 July 1920, the son of John and Clara Richards. He joined the staff of Westminster Bank at its Derby Midland Road branch in August 1937.

He was a member of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and at the outbreak of war in September 1939 was called up for active service. He served with Coastal Command until the end of 1941, and was then posted to the Far East. Flying Officer Richards was last heard of in Java in February 1942; a friend in his squadron reported that when the area was overrun by the Japanese at the beginning of March 1942, he was among those who fled to the hills. He was listed as 'missing' for the rest of the war, and eventually concluded to have died on 1 March 1942. He was 21 years old.

Robert Richards is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest Derby St Peter's Street branch.