Henry Plumb

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Head Office, London

Died: 17 September 1943

Henry Victor Plumb was born on 25 September 1920, the son of Henry and Louisa Plumb. He was educated at Glendale County School, where he was an active participant in school sports and an accomplished pianist, and became a school prefect and head of house. 

After leaving school he joined the staff of Westminster Bank at its London Lothbury office; a colleague there later recalled, 'he was a very nice youngster, who had a delightful way with him. He showed good promise in the bank, was quiet and confident and most capable.'

In May 1941 Plumb left the bank to go on war service, becoming a Flying Officer (Navigator) in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was killed in a flying accident in Sicily on 17 September 1943, a few days before his 23rd birthday. 

After his death, it was announced that Flying Officer Plumb had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, with the citation 'As navigator, this officer took part in ten long sorties against targets at Tunis and Bizerta in adverse weather. He also rendered valuable service to the United States Army Air Command when, as leading navigator, he participated in a number of successful attacks against heavily defended enemy airfields and troop concentrations. In addition, Flying Officer Plumb has flown on many successful night and day sorties against objectives in Pantellaria, Tunisia and Sicily. Throughout his operational career he has consistently displayed a fine fighting spirit, courage and determination.'