John Edwards

Bank: National Provincial Bank of England

Place of work: Chester branch

Died: 1 May 1917

John Humphrey Edwards was born in Aberystwyth on 20 October 1890, the son of JH Edwards, a farmer, and his wife Mary. His family was closely connected with National Provincial Bank of England. His uncle on his father's side was the bank's Manchester branch manager, and another uncle, on his mother's side, was one of the bank's branch inspectors. Perhaps as a result of these family connections, Edwards himself went to work for the bank in April 1908, starting as an apprentice at Machynlleth branch.

Three years later, upon completion of his apprenticeship, Edwards became a clerk at Machynlleth. The following November he transferred to the much larger Chester branch. His manager there described him as 'a valuable clerk, reliable and painstaking.'

During the First World War Edwards joined the army, serving as a Private in the 26th (Bankers') Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. He was killed in action in France on 1 May 1917. He was 26 years old.