William Menday

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Southampton Docks branch

Died: 26 November 1942

William Arthur Menday, known to his colleagues as Bill, was born on 31 December 1910, the son of Arthur Henry and Ada Mary Menday. He joined the staff of Westminster Bank at its Bournemouth branch in 1929. In October 1937 he moved to Southampton Docks branch. A bank colleague later recalled him as 'a very lovable personality, popular both with customers and his colleagues'.

At the outbreak of war in 1939 Menday left the bank to become a full-time member of the Army Fire Service. He rapidly rose to the rank of Section Leader, and served through the heavy bombing which Southampton suffered in 1940-1941.

In March 1941 he volunteered for the Royal Navy, becoming an Ordinary Seaman. He survived the sinking of HMS Ark Royal in November 1941, and was later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Menday died on 26 November 1942 of injuries sustained in an accident while serving as part of the crew of HMS Quebec. He was 31 years old and left a widow, Irene, whom he had married in 1941.

William Menday is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest Southampton branch.