Archibald Maslen

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Eton branch

Died: 2 April 1944

Archibald Victor Maslen, known to his colleagues as Archie, was born on 8 June 1918, the son of Alfred Joseph Maslen and his wife Beatrice May. In the week of his birth, his father's younger brother, also named Archibald Victor Maslen, was killed in action while serving in the navy in the First World War.

Maslen started working for Westminster Bank in February 1936, and in June 1937 was posted to the bank's Eton branch. Outside work he was an enthusiastic sportsman, a member of Eton Excelsior Rowing Club, Windsor and Eton Cricket Club and Windsor and Eton Rugby Football Club.

Maslen joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in May 1938, and at the outbreak of war left the bank to go on active service. He was commissioned in December 1940; awarded the DFC in 1941; and reached the rank of Squadron Leader in November 1943. 

Squadron Leader Maslen was killed on air operations in Italy on 2 April 1944. He was 25 years old.

Archibald Maslen is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest Windsor & Eton branch.