Telephone operator who saw bandits flee was Wilma Hansford, at left. Next is A.L. Veale, manager; and Phylliss Hunt of staff. Arthur Evans witnessed gunfight and Raymond Thoms, 12, was on street as bandits fled. J. Harvey, right, dodged shots.

Off-duty provincial Constable Reginald Wilson had nine shots fired at him by three masked gunmen and an undisguised leader who staged a western-style hold-up of the Bank of Commerce at Bradford yesterday. Four of his return shots hit car.

Two members of bank staff who faced guns of bandits were R.E. Black and Gloria Duncan, 17. The incident lasted less than five minutes from moment men entered.

"I was so frightened I could hardly move," said John Welgen, a marsh gardener, who entered the bank a few minutes before gunmen with his wife and daughter, Stephanie, two. They were forced to lie on the floor along with members of the staff.