James Holt

Bank: Parr's Bank
Place of work: Salford Docks branch
Died: 1 July 1916

James Holt was born in Lancashire in 1888, the son of Benjamin Holt, a foreman in a cotton shipping warehouse, and his wife Frances Ann. From about 1903 he worked for Parr's Bank. He worked for a few years in the bank's Manchester office, before transferring to Manchester Royal Exchange branch. In about 1908 he moved to Salford Docks branch.

Early in the First World War Holt volunteered for 17th (Manchester Pals') Battalion of the Manchester Regiment. Lance Corporal James Holt was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916. He was 28 years old.

His obituary in the bank's staff magazine recalled 'he was a most conscientious and hard-working officer and his loss will be keenly felt by all who came in touch with him. He played for the bank in all the local football matches, and was a regular good all-round sport'.

James Holt is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest Monton branch.