Harold Shepherd

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Sutton Surrey branch

Died: 27 May 1941

Harold William Shepherd, known to his bank colleagues as Bill, was born on 14 December 1918, the son of Frederick Thomas and Amy Emily Shepherd. He was educated at Dulwich College, where he took an active part in athletics, and was particularly successful in the high jump. 

In October 1936 he joined the staff of Westminster Bank at its Sutton branch. He continued his interest in athletics, joining the bank's staff sports club. At the 1939 bank sports day he won the long jump, high jump, 120 yards hurdles and triple jump. He also won the long jump at the inter-bank athletics meeting in the same year. He also represented the bank at rugby. 

In October 1939 Shepherd left the bank to join the King's Royal Rifle Corps. Soon afterwards he was offered a commission, but chose to remain a dispatch rider in the ranks. He was drafted to Egypt in October 1940, and later saw active service in Greece and Crete. He was killed in action there on 27 May 1941. Corporal Shepherd was 22 years old.