Robert George Taylor (1920–1950) was posthumously awarded the

George Cross The George Cross (GC) is the highest award bestowed by the British government for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. In the British honours system, the George Cross, since its introduction in 1940, has been ...

for the heroism he displayed on 13 March 1950 in

Bristol Bristol () is a city, ceremonial county and unitary authority in England. Situated on the River Avon, it is bordered by the ceremonial counties of Gloucestershire to the north and Somerset to the south. Bristol is the most populous city in ...

. His award was published in the ''

London Gazette London is the capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary dow ...

'' on 1 August 1950. A 29-year-old newspaper advertising salesman and ex-serviceman, he attempted to stop two armed bank robbers as they fled from Lloyds Bank in

Westbury Park, Bristol Westbury Park is a suburb of the city of Bristol, United Kingdom. It lies to the east of Durdham Down between the districts of Redland and Henleaze. The area is very similar in character to nearby Redland and comprises mainly Victorian and early ...

, but was shot and died at the scene. The criminals, both Polish labourers, were later apprehended and hanged at Winchester Prison. In 2005, a plaque commemorating his heroism was unveiled at his former home in Bristol."Plaque honours bank robbery hero"
''BBC News'', 15 March 2005

References

1920 births 1950 deaths British recipients of the George Cross English murder victims People from Bristol People murdered in England Deaths by firearm in England Royal Artillery soldiers British Army personnel of World War II Military personnel from Bristol {{England-bio-stub