Robert Welch

Bank: National Bank of Scotland

Place of work: Greenock branch

Died: 4 August 1944

Robert Welch was born in Greenock in 1922, the son of Isabel and William Welch. He worked for National Bank of Scotland at its Greenock branch.

During the Second World War Welch left the bank to go on military service, becoming a Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. On 4 August 1944 he was taking part in the bombing of the submarine base at Brest when his plane was hit and crashed into Douarnenez Bay off the coast of France. Three survivors were rescued and hidden by the French Resistance but three others, including Pilot Officer Welch, died. He was 21 years old.

Robert Welch is commemorated on a bank war memorial at Gogarburn campus, Edinburgh.