Harold Baker

Bank: National Provincial Bank of England

Place of work: London Oxford Street branch

Died: 5 April 1918

Harold Glasspool Baker was born in Hampshire on 13 October 1889, the son of Thomas Baker, a doctor, and his wife Laurie. He was educated at Churcher's College, Petersfield.

In February 1906, when he was 16 years old, Baker started work for National Provincial Bank of England as an apprentice at its Landport branch. After completing his three-year apprenticeship he stayed on as a clerk, and in August 1910 moved to Shanklin branch. In April 1911 he moved to Southampton branch; in July 1913 to Folkestone branch; and in July 1914 to London Oxford Street branch. Baker's elder brother Elliott and younger brother Douglas also worked for the bank.

During the First World War Baker joined the army and was commissioned into the Somerset Light Infantry. He was awarded the Military Cross in August 1917, and a bar to the Military Cross the following month.

Captain Baker was killed in action in France on 5 April 1918. He was 28 years old. His brothers Elliott and Douglas also served in the war, but came home safely and returned to the bank, where they both spent the rest of their careers.