Richard Newcombe

Bank: London County & Westminster Bank

Place of work: London West End office

Died: 1 July 1916

Richard Clyde Davies Newcombe was born on 8 April 1893, the son of Charles Newcombe, a builder, and his wife Emily. In July 1913, when he was 20 years old, Newcombe went to work for London County & Westminster Bank.

During the First World War Newcombe left his job as a clerk at the bank's London West End office to join the army. He initially joined the London Regiment, before being commissioned into the East Lancashire Regiment in May 1915. By 1916 he held the rank of Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Newcombe was killed in action on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. He was 23 years old. His family later received letters of condolence from his fellow officers, describing his 'marvellous coolness and bravery', and describing how he had steadied his men and calmly lit a cigarette before going over the parapet to the attack in which he lost his life.

Two of Newcombe's brothers, Percy and Stanley, also worked for London County & Westminster Bank, and also served in the army during the First World War. Both survived the war.

Richard Newcombe is commemorated on a bank war memorial at NatWest London St James & Piccadilly branch.