William Wilson

Bank: National Provincial Bank

Place of work: Romford branch

Died: 28 October 1944

William Eric Wilson, known to his colleagues as Eric, was born on 11 June 1906, the son of Ada and William Bernard Wilson. He was educated at Bede Collegiate Boys’ School, Sunderland.

In September 1924 Wilson joined the staff of National Provincial Bank as a probationer at its Spennymoor branch. He was promoted to clerk in July 1925 and worked at branches in the North of England, including West Kirby, Leeds and Grimsby. In July 1938 he moved to Romford branch and later that year was promoted to serve pro manager. He was popular with customers, and a colleague wrote about him that 'Eric Wilson's sincerity and high ideals caused him to make friends wherever he went.'

In August 1942 Wilson left his job at the bank to join the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. On 28 October 1944 Flight Sergeant William Eric Wilson was killed when the aircraft in which he was flying crashed during takeoff in India. He was 38 years old and left his widow, Margery, whom he had married in February 1943, and their infant son.