Blue Plaque To Mark Eminent Guernseyman

A blue plaque above 43, the High Street will mark the birthplace of Sir Donald Banks, a senior civil servant and war veteran.

The blue plaque will be the twelfth celebrating Guernsey people who have made a special contribution to the island or have excelled in their own fields.

Sir Donald Banks (1891-1975) spent his early years in Guernsey, living in the family home at 43, the High Street, St Peter Port, above his father's book shop. He was educated at Elizabeth College. It says of him, 'there can be few Old Elizabethans who have made such an immense contribution to their country.’

Donald Banks left Guernsey in 1909 to join the British Civil Service. He fought in World War 1 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, commanding the 10th Essex Regiment. He was awarded the Military Cross, Distinguished Service Order, Croix de Guerre and was mentioned in dispatches.

During the inter war years he re-joined the Civil Service and ended up running the General Post Office, for which he was knighted in 1935.

Helen Glencross, from Guernsey Museums, says he presided over a period of technical advanacements: 

"He was responsible for the introduction of numerous innovations that we take for granted, such as the red telephone boxes, off peak telephone charges, the speaking clock and emergency 999 calls."

During the Second World War Sir Donald was made director general of the Petroleum Warfare Department. In this role he oversaw the laying of the  undersea pipeline supplying petrol to the Allies in Cherbourg, following D-Day, known as PLUTO.

Helen Glencross says his achievements in both war and peace time, were remarkable:

"He was one of the founding members of the Guernsey Society, which is why they nominated him for a blue plaque. He's recognised as an eminent Guernseyman, Someone who made many contributions to national security, the armed forces and the civil service."

The plaque will be unveiled above 43 High Street at 11am on 8 May.