Robert Fraser

Bank: National Provincial Bank of England

Place of work: West Hartlepool branch

Died: 1 July 1918

Robert Douglas Fraser was born on 9 July 1882, the son of James Fraser, a bank clerk, and his wife Agnes. By the time Fraser started his career his father had died, but Fraser went to work for his father's old bank, National Provincial Bank of England, as apprentice at its Bournemouth branch. He began there in June 1899, just before his 17th birthday.

He transferred to South Molton branch in February 1900; to Newton Abbot in April 1904; to Portsea two months later; and to South Shields in September 1905. In January 1914 he received his first appointment as a branch cashier, at the bank's West Hartlepool branch. By 1916, his manager there believed he ready for further promotion, but was reluctant to see him move to a job where he would have less direct contact with customers: 'although he is quite capable as an accountant he is better fitted for a cashier post as his manner in dealing with customers is very agreeable.'

Fraser subsequently joined the army, serving as a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He died of gas poisoning in France on 1 July 1918, just a few days before his 36th birthday. He left a widow, Daisy.