Thomas Baynam

Bank: National Provincial Bank

Place of work: Bristol Old Bank branch

Died: 2 January 1942

Thomas George Nelmes Baynam was born on 28 May 1915, the son of Nelmes and Winifred Baynam. He was educated at Avondale, Clifton and at Clifton College. He joined the staff of National Provincial Bank as a probationer at Bristol Clifton branch in May 1933. He was promoted to junior clerk there in August 1933 and to clerk in October 1935. In March 1936 he moved to Bristol Old Bank branch.

Outside work Baynam was a keen sportsman. During his schooldays he had set a school record for long jump and was an outstanding member of the school's 1st XV rugby team. He went on to be an accomplished cricketer, regularly playing for the Gloucestershire County side, including in the team that won the County Championship in 1937. He also played in the bank's Country v Town staff matches.

Baynam was also a territorial soldier, holding a commission in the Gloucestershire Regiment from 1938. Shortly afterwards his Battalion was converted to become part of the Royal Tank Regiment. At the outbreak of war in September 1939 Baynam was called up for war service. By the beginning of 1942 Lieutenant Baynam was serving in North Africa, and it was there that he was killed in action on 2 January 1942. He was 27 years old.