Alfred Watkins

Bank: National Provincial Bank

Place of work: Solihull branch

Died: 24 September 1942

Alfred Henry Watkins was born on 17 August 1907, the son of Blanche and Alfred Henry Watkins, a solicitor. He was educated at Monmouth Grammar School and the Technical College, Newport. 

In May 1925 Watkins joined the staff of National Provincial Bank as a probationer at its Pontypool branch. He was promoted to clerk in 1926 and moved to Birmingham Horsefair branch in 1931. In late 1933 or early 1934 he married Alison. In 1937 he moved to Solihull branch and he was promoted to pro manager a year later. In 1939 he and Alison had a son. 

During the Second World War Watkins joined the ARP and volunteered in its first aid party in Solihull. In May 1942 Watkins left his job at the bank and joined the Royal Navy. Less than 5 months later, on 24 September 1942, Ordinary Seaman Alfred Watkins was killed at sea. The ship on which he was serving, HMS Somali, was hit by a German U-boat whilst part of an Arctic convoy. HMS Somali was under tow when, a few days later, she sank with the loss of 67 men. Watkins was 35 years old and left his widow, Alison, and their young son.