Laurence Stratford

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Arundel branch

Died: 11 February 1940

Laurence Dacre Stratford was born on 6 April 1919, the son of Hubert and Muriel Stratford. He joined the staff of Westminster Bank at its Arundel branch in May 1937. Outside work he was involved in church work and was enthusiastic about dance band music.

Stratford was a member of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and at the outbreak of the Second World War was called to active service, entering training to becoming a wireless operator and air gunner. On 11 February 1940 he was on a training flight in Wales, undertaking low flying target practise. The plane flew too low and struck a sand dune. Leading Aircraftman Stratford was killed instantly. He was 20 years old. A bank colleague later recalled, 'Stratford will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His happy disposition and enthusiasm, both in work and play, were an example to his colleagues.'

Stratford's elder sister Dorothy was killed two years later, while serving as an army nurse.