Robert Penketh

Bank: National Provincial Bank of England

Place of work: Burton-on-Trent branch

Died: 16 April 1917

Robert Charles Penketh was born on 20 August 1885, 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 1903, just before his 18th birthday, Penketh followed in the footsteps of his elder brother Alfred by beginning an apprenticeship with National Provincial Bank of England. He started at York branch, and after completing his apprenticeship stayed on as a clerk there. In August 1906 he transferred to South Shields branch; in May 1911 to Hull branch; and in January 1914 to Burton-on-Trent branch. Outside work he, like his brother Alfred, was an enthusiastic sportsman.

Penketh was a Territorial soldier, and was called up to his regiment, the Northumberland Fusiliers, in August 1914. He was wounded in April 1915 but returned to active duty the following October. He was injured again, necessitating a few days in hospital, in October 1916. Penketh, by this stage a Captain in the Northumberland Fusiliers, was injured again and died of his wounds on 16 April 1917. He was 31 years old. His elder brother Alfred, who was serving in their father's regiment, the South Staffordshires, was killed in action a month later.