Leonard Thompson

Bank: National Provincial Bank

Place of work: London Aldersgate Street branch

Died: 24 August 1943

Leonard William Thompson was born on 16 November 1911, the son of Martha and Henry John Thompson. He was educated at Haberdasher’s Aske’s School, Hatcham. 

In February 1929 Thompson joined the staff of National Provincial Bank as a probationer at its London Southwark branch. He was promoted to junior clerk in May 1929 and moved to Brixton branch in January 1930 and to Clapham a month later. He was promoted to clerk in 1931 and moved to Aldersgate Street branch in 1935. He was known to his colleagues as Tommy and was a keen sportsman. He was one of the best wicket keepers in London club cricket and also played rugby for the bank. His obituary in the staff magazine says that he was 'one of the most promising men of his age known to his seniors.' and that 'He was most popular and helpful amongst his colleagues and firm in recommending his juniors to follow his footsteps.' In April 1940 he married Jacqueline, who worked at National Provincial Bank too.

In February 1941 Thompson left his job at the bank to join the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. His obituary says 'On joining the RAF he found it exciting to compete with somewhat younger men in proving his abilities and worth and succeeded in his determination to be a leading man in the side.' On 24 August 1943 Sergeant Leonard Thompson was killed in action during a raid over Berlin. He was 31 years old and left his widow, Jacqueline.