Herbert Skinner

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: Bath branch

Died: 10 January 1943

Herbert Lionel Skinner, known to his bank colleagues as 'Jim', was born on 8 August 1905, the son of Sidney and Mary Skinner. He joined the staff of Westminster Bank in December 1923, and served at the bank's London Lombard Street, Plymouth and Taunton branches before being transferred to Bath branch in July 1940. He was also a member of the bank's staff sports club, and while based in London played regularly for the bank's first rugby and cricket teams. He was an excellent sprinter and above-average tennis player and golfer.

In February 1942 Skinner married Jessie, who was also a member of staff at the bank's Bath branch until her marriage. The following October, Skinner left the bank to join the navy. During his naval training he greatly enjoyed the opportunity to play rugby again, as he had in his younger days. 

On 10 January 1943 Writer Skinner was on a weekend's leave with Jessie at her parents' home in Teignmouth when they were caught up in an air raid on the town. Both Skinner and Jessie were killed. They were 37 and 32 years old respectively. Jessie's father was also seriously injured in the attack.

Herbert Skinner is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest Bath City branch.