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 Courage, gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. In the British honours system, the George Cross, since its introduction in 1940, ...

for the heroism he displayed on 13 March 1950 in

Bristol Bristol () is a City status in the United Kingdom, cathedral city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, the most populous city in the region. Built around the River Avon, Bristol, River Avon, it is bordered by t ...

. His award was published in the ''

London Gazette London is the capital and largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Western Europe, with a population of 14.9 million. London stands on the River Tha ...

'' 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 earl ...

, 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