Alfred Penketh

Bank: National Provincial Bank of England

Place of work: Bideford branch

Died: 12 May 1917

Alfred Thomas Penketh was born on 19 August 1883, the son of James Penketh, an officer in the South Staffordshire Regiment, and his wife Kate. He was educated at Lichfield Grammar School.

In August 1900, just before his 17th birthday, Penketh went to work for National Provincial Bank of England as an apprentice at its Hereford branch. After completing his apprenticeship he stayed there as a clerk, until moving to Manchester Corn Exchange branch in August 1904. In April 1909 he moved to Bideford branch, initially as a clerk. In July 1914 he was promoted to cashier. Penketh was an enthusiastic sportsman, and in Bideford was captain of the town's football club for two seasons.

During the First World War Penketh served in his father's old regiment, the South Staffordshires, becoming a Second Lieutenant. Penketh was killed in action on 12 May 1917. He was 33 years old. His younger brother Robert, who also worked for National Provincial Bank of England and had also joined the army during the war, had been killed a month earlier.