Norman Walker

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: London Golders Green branch

Died: 29 January 1945

Norman Reece Walker was born in 1920 and joined the staff of Westminster Bank in February 1938. He was also a member of the bank’s staff sports club.

In July 1940 Walker left his job at the bank’s London Golders Green branch to join the Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm). He gained his commission in March 1941 and was posted to the West Indies. He was injured in a flying accident early in 1942, and was sent back to Britain for treatment; on the way there, the ship in which he was travelling was torpedoed and sunk. Walker spent eight and a half days in a lifeboat before being rescued. 

Walker recovered from his injuries and later returned to active duty. By 1945 he was a Lieutenant, serving on board HMS Illustrious in the South Seas. He was killed in action on 29 January 1945 during Operation Meridian. He was 24 years old and left a widow, Ruth, whom he had married in 1942.

Norman Walker is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest London Golders Green branch.