James Hamilton

Bank: Parr’s Bank

Place of work: Manchester branch

Died: 25 July 1916

James Reginald Hamilton was born in Altrincham in 1896, the son of Frank Hamilton, a builder, and his wife Florence. He was educated at Bowdon College, Cheshire. In January 1912 he went to work for Parr's Bank.

In November 1914 Hamilton left his job at the bank's Manchester branch to join the army, becoming a Private in the Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). He was killed in action on the Somme on 25 July 1916. He was 20 years old.

His obituary in the bank's staff magazine noted that 'although young in years, by his genial and pleasant manner, his gentlemanly bearing, his readiness to perform any kindly act, he had endeared himself to his colleagues, and his loss is deeply regretted.'

James Hamilton is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest Manchester City Centre branch.