William Smale

Bank: Westminster Bank

Place of work: London Catford branch

Died: 30 April 1941

William Herbert Roland Smale was born on 11 August 1914, the son of Samuel and May Smale. He joined the staff of Westminster Bank in May 1933, and from June 1935 was based at its Catford branch. He was also a member of the bank's staff sports club.

At the outbreak of the Second World War Smale joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, becoming a Sergeant (Observer). His plane was participating in an attack on an enemy convoy on 30 April 1941, when it was shot down and crashed into the sea off the coast of Holland. He was 26 years old.

William Smale is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest London Catford branch, where his name is listed as W H Ronald Smale.