Holmes, Charles

Lieutenant Charles Holmes MC and Bar

Holmes was born at Ballybogan, Lifford, Co. Donegal on 28th October 1894 to William Holmes, Farmer and Mary Anne Holmes nee Brooks. They had married on 12th January 1889 at the Alt Presbyterian Church, Alt Upper, Castlefinn.

In 1901 Holmes  (6) was living in house 1, Ballybogan, Clonleigh South, Co. Donegal with his parents and 2 siblings, Robert Brooks (9) and William (2). A servant, Patrick Cullen was also living in the property.

By 1911 the property is described as house 4, Ballybogan, Clonleigh South, Co. Donegal. 2 daughters had been born since 1901, Annie Margaret (7) and Rebecca Mary (5). There is 1 servant, Rachel Donnell and 2 farm servants, William Schooner and Michael Deery also present in the property.

Holmes would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1912 and is recorded as working in Lurgan and Central branches. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as Ballybogan, Lifford

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Lurgan branch

Belfast Bank, Belfast Central branch

Holmes volunteered and enlisted into the 13th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles and was later commissioned attaining the rank of Lieutenant. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 22nd June 1918.

He later transferred to the Royal Army Pay Corps where he continued his service as a Lieutenant.

C Holmes - Medal Index Card

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records Holmes as being 'previously wounded' with his last known address as being 'in France'.

As an officer he would have had to apply for his service medals, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

He was also awarded the Military Cross twice (MC and Bar).

His first citation was published in the London Gazette on 16th September 1918 reads:

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  One night this officer, with 12 men and a party of infantry, captured two machine guns, holding at bay a large body of the enemy who nearly cut them off, and successfully extricating the whole of his men with but few casualties.” 

The second citation was published by the London Gazette on 1st February 1919.  It reads:

“For conspicuous gallantry and able leadership south-east of Dadizeele in September, 1918.  He led a platoon against a wood strongly held by machine guns and about 100 men, clearing it at the point of the bayonet and accounting for at least fifty men and three machine guns.  Although wounded himself, he continued encouraging his men against heavy odds.”  

Charles Holmes continued with a career in the army and did not re-join the bank.

McManus, Hubert

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Riley McManus

2nd Lieutenant Hubert McManus

McManus was born at Market Square, Dungannon on 27th May 1888 to Samuel McManus, Draper and Jane McManus nee Booth. They had married on 28th August 1875 at Drummaul Church of Ireland, Randalstown.

In 1901, McManus (13) was living in house 14, Market Square (East Side), Dungannon, with his parents and 6 siblings, Samuel Edgar (24), Anne Gertrude (20), Louisa Euphemia (17), Harold (15), Winifred (10) and Randal Edmund (8 - see below). 2 shop assistants, Nellie Keer & Jane Gullfillan and 2 servants, Annie Bates & Cathleen Dunlop also lived in the property.

Based on his age, McManus may have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1905. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as Antrim. Later on, his brother, Samuel G McManus and his wife, Kathleen McManus also signed the guarantee.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

In 1911, a Herbert McManus is boarding with Elizabeth Stevenson (head of household) in house 59, Willowbank Street, Clifton Ward, Belfast with one other boarder. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Official Accountant. 

In 1914 McManus volunteered and enlisted into the North Irish Horse with Service Number 1267. Later he transferred to the Machine Gun Corps with Service Number 104215 where he was promoted to Corporal.  

H McManus - Medal Index Card

His first theatre of war is recorded as France and Flanders from 2nd June 1915.

McManus was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on 26th October 1917.

An injury later occurred making McManus eligible for the Silver War Badge (SWB). The Medal Index Card records the number incorrectly as 183889. The SWB Roll records the badge number as 383889. He was invalided out of the army in 1917.  

H McManus - Silver War Badge

McManus was awarded the 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

H McManus - Medal Roll

A descendant (via a cousin of Hubert's), Alastair McManus (Canada) has sent me this information:

" .... Hubert emigrated to Canada in 1911 (or 1912) with his younger brother Randal (killed in WW1), probably going to stay with their older brother Harold.  Hubert worked in the North Bay, Ontario, branch of the Imperial Bank of Canada, 210 miles north of Toronto.  However, on the outbreak of war, both he and Randal returned to Ireland in 1914.  Hubert enlisted in the North Irish Horse.  He was later commissioned and was invalided from service in 1917.  He returned to the Belfast Bank in 1918 and remained in Belfast for the rest of his life. ...."

Hubert McManus married Kathleen Pyper on 5th October 1920 at Fortwilliam Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

He was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club in April 1947 paying 5 shillings subscription and was recorded as working in Head Office. 

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Summer 1984)’ contains a photograph of McManus in a 1947 Belfast Banking Company Cricket Team.

McManus's brother, Randal Edmund is detailed on the Commonwealth War Graves website as follows:

Son of Jane McManus, 6 Howard Terrace, Dungannon; Lance Corporal, Army Number 41505, died 19/04/1918 aged 26, 9th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers, commemorated on Pane 140 to 141, Tyne Cot Memorial.

Newspaper image courtesy of Mrs Gemma Crutchley
via Lives of the First World War website

McMahon, Patrick

 

2nd Lieutenant Patrick McMahon

McMahon was born at Irish Street, Armagh City, Co. Armagh on 8th November 1886 to Patrick McMahon, Flax Merchant and Annie McMahon nee Quinn. They had married on 22nd September 1880 at Armagh Roman Catholic Chapel.

In 1901, McMahon (15) lived in house 3, Edward Street, Armagh with his parents and 6 siblings; Charles (18), Josephine (15), Francis (12), Mary (10), Harry (7) and Joseph (2). A servant, Susan Dolleghan was also in the property.

Around 1904-1906 McMahon (18/20) Patrick joined the Belfast Banking Company and is recorded as working in Newry and Buncrana branches. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee and gave his address as Edward Street, Armagh.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Newry branch

Belfast Bank, Buncrana branch

In 1911, McMahon is recorded as boarding in house 102, Main Street, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. There are 2 other Bank Clerks also boarding in this house; Norman A Anderson (17) and James Wright (27). 

McMahon volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Highlanders with Service Number 2171. 

Following his training, he sailed for France on 19th November 1915.

McMahon was serving with 4th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles (attached to the 2nd Bn.) as a 2nd Lieutenant when he was killed in action on 11th June 1917 aged 29. 

The Belfast Bank 'Roll of Honour' booklet records him as 'Killed in Action'.

Belfast Bank - 'Roll of Honour' booklet

McMahon is buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France.

The De Ruvigny Roll of Honour (see picture below) records:

".... was wounded in the Somme battle ...... was wounded at Messines receiving gunshots in the left side and arm ...... died the same day in the grounds of the casualty clearing station ......"

De Ruvigny Roll of Honour - McMahon Excerpt

McMahon was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. As he was an officer, a relative applied for these on 23rd March 1923.

Mathers, Willoughby Catherwood

2nd Lieutenant Willoughby Catherwood Mathers

Mathers was born at Mourne View, Ballynahinch, Co. Down on 29th November 1894 to John Mathers, School-teacher and Letitia Mathers nee Adams. They had married on 31st December 1890 at Ballygrainey Presbyterian Church, Bangor. 

In 1901 Mathers (6) was living in house 11, Ballymaglare North, Ballynahinch with his parents and sister Kathleen (8).  

By 1911 Mathers was living in house 11, Ballymaglare North, Ballynahinch with his parents. His sister, Kathleen was not recorded on the census form. 

He was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (INST) and is recorded in the Northern Whig of 28th November 1911 as receiving an 'honourable mention' in the 'Commercial and Drawing Department'.

Having passed the Belfast Bank entrance examination via the 'John W Renshaw' school, Mathers joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1912 and is recorded as working in Londonderry, Limavady and Bushmills branches. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as 'Edna Vadie', Ballynahinch and later as Kincora Avenue, Belfast. Kathleen Mathers, sister spinster of 17 Kincora Avenue, Belfast later joined in the guarantee.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Belfast Bank, Limavady branch

Belfast Bank, Bushmills branch

Mathers volunteered and enlisted into the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) with Service Number 2173. He was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal according to the Belfast Banking Company photograph on their Roll of Honour. 

The Medal Index Card (below) records his rank as Corporal. It also indicates that he was commissioned into the Regular Army with Service Number 265626.

His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 2nd May 1915. 

W C Mathers - Medal Index Card

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records Mathers as being a Corporal in the Black Watch. He is also described as 'previously wounded' with his last known address as 'in France'.

Belfast Bank - 'Roll of Honour' booklet

The Londonderry Sentinel of 21st November 1916 reports the injury of Private Willoughby Mathers.

As an officer, Mathers applied for his medals on 10th August 1922. He was awarded the 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

W C Mathers - Medal Roll 1

W C Mathers - Medal Roll 2

The London Gazette Supplement dated 28th April 1919 records Willoughby Mathers (Black Watch) being promoted from Cadet to 2nd Lieutenant in the Regular Forces on 11th March 1919.

The London Gazette Supplement dated 24th February 1922 records W Mathers (Black Watch) being promoted from Temporary 2nd Lieutenant to 2nd Lieutenant.

Following his leaving the Regular Army, Mathers re-joined the bank.

The Lisburn Standard of 21st November 1924 records Mathers as the Treasurer of the Lisburn Choral and Orchestral Society.

Belfast Bank, Lisburn branch

He was later transferred to Warrenpoint branch (Belfast News-Letter of 19th November 1925).

Belfast Bank, Warrenpoint branch

1927 saw his transfer from Warrenpoint to Londonderry branch and in 1928 to Limavady branch.

The Derry Journal of 2nd June 1937 reports the transfer of Willoughby Mathers, Cashier of Limavady branch to Newry branch.

Belfast Bank, Newry branch

Willoughby Mathers is recorded in the 1956 annual accounts of the Belfast Banking Company as being manager of Bushmills branch.

Retirement came in 1957.

Mrs J E A Mathers, the widow of W C Mathers attended the 2000 re-dedication ceremony of the Rolls of Honour.

Picken, Paul Hartley

2nd Lieutenant Paul Hartley Picken

Picken was born at Oldcastle on 20th March 1894 to Edward Picken (Draper) and Frances Margaret Picken nee Hartley. They had married on 12th April 1871 at Oldcastle Church of Ireland.

In 1901 Picken (7) was living in house 124, Oldcastle, Oldcastle, Co. Meath with his parents and 5 siblings; Helen (23), Catherine (19), James (16), Edward (14) and Frederick (11). An assistant dress-maker, Mary E McStravick and 2 servants; Bridget Galligan and John Carolan were also present in the house. 

In 1911 Picken was living in house 108, Oldcastle, Oldcastle, Co. Meath with his father and 3 siblings, Catherine, James, Frederick. Others in the property are Mary Duncan and her 3 children; William, Frederick and Katherine; Edith Neill (milliner), Lucy Scott (apprentice) and Elizabeth Briordy (servant). Paul's occupation is described as a Bank Clerk.  

Picken would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1911 and is recorded as working in Enniskillen and Markets branches. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee. It was later signed by a Nicholas Barker

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Enniskillen branch

Belfast Bank, Markets branch

Picken volunteered and enlisted into the 12th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 4th March 1917.

P H Picken - Medal Index Card

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records Picken as having been 'previously  wounded' with his last known address 'in France'.

Belfast Bank 'Roll of Honour' Booklet

As an officer Picken had to apply for his war service medals. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

P H Picken - Medal Roll

Following his demobilisation after the war, Picken  re-joined the bank. The Ballymena Observer of 3rd June 1921 reports that he was elected a member of Ballymena Golf Club.

Picken was later transferred to Magherafelt branch and in 1926 to Londonderry branch.

Belfast Bank, Magherafelt branch

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

In December 1926 he is recorded as arriving in Canada. The Belfast News-Letter of 14th January 1927 reports the resignation of Picken from the bank.

The Belfast Telegraph of 13th November 1943 reports that Lt P H Picken, late Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers has relinquished the rank of Lieutenant on enlistment into the ranks of the Canadian military forces. His headstone, below records his final rank as Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2).

John Eadie, a descendant of Picken has provided the following additional information:

Via Ancestry.com

"Hi!  Paul Hartley Picken married my great aunt Louie Kells (aged 17 in 1911) in Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Ireland and resided in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada for many years, working as an Accountant. He died on the 21st June 1970 in Deer Lodge Hospital, in Winnipeg and is buried in Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg in a military grave."

John Eadie (cjeadie@shaw.ca)

P H Picken - Headstone