William Battle

Bank: National Provincial Bank

Place of work: London Croydon branch

Died: 18 August 1940

William Battle was born on 25 January 1879, the son of William and Jane Battle. During the First World War, while serving as a Company Sergeant Major in the Royal Fusiliers, he suffered a bullet wound in his right thigh which left him with a limp. 

In May 1917 Battle joined the staff of National Provincial Bank of England as a messenger at its London head office. Five years later he moved to Croydon branch, where he lived on bank premises, only moving out some years later because his wife, in poor health, could not manage the steps up to the flat. In addition to his messenger's wages, he received a supplementary weekly payment for cleaning the branch. His staff record noted his 'smart dapper appearance, with nice manners - attentive to customers by whom he is much liked.' 

During the Second World War Battle became a Platoon Commander in the Home Guard. He was serving in that capacity when he was killed in an air raid on Croydon on 18 August 1940. He was 61 years old and left a widow, Elizabeth, and three children.