Roll of Honour on Waring Street Wall circa 1996

Roll of Honour on Waring Street Wall circa 1996

Up until the move to Donegall Square West, the various Rolls of Honour and War Memorials were installed on the walls of the old Belfast Banking Company Head Office in Waring Street, Belfast.

Here is a picture of the brass Belfast Banking Company memorial from circa 1996 found recently in a staff magazine from that period:

The 2 bank officials are dressed in period costume.

What do others think of this website?

Here are just a few of the comments received in relation to this website:



What an inspiring project you have there...Bloody well done.

Great job with this, a lot of hard work and long hours have gone into this piece. I am forwarding to the NI War Memorial, as I am sure it will be of interest. I suspect there is no similar work.

Thank you again for your hard work. I hope that others appreciate the research that you are doing.

That is a great site that you have.

Just had a look at the site. Very impressive.

Very interesting website.

Nice blog!

An excellent piece of work and a very fitting tribute to your late father....well done.

Just had a quick look at the site this morning, it looks really interesting ...

I for one, think your efforts have been first class.

Well done for creating the blog to record the biographies of the men of the Northern Bank/Belfast Bank. Your efforts will ensure that these men are not forgotten.

I like what you have done with your blog, even more so, as it is how I intend the layout of my research to be presented .....



My thanks to all who have commented.

Gavin Bamford

Purdon, Charles Vesey

Lieutenant Charles Vesey Purdon

Purdon was born at 8 Mountjoy Terrace, Londonderry on 15th April 1891 to James Theodore Purdon, Bank Manager and Charlotte Amelia Grace Lucy Stuart Purdon nee Vesey. They had married on 27th April 1886 at the Mariners' Church of Ireland, Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire).

In 1901, Purdon (9) was living in house 6, Quinsboro Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow with his parents and 2 siblings; Lucy Grace (13) and Henry De La Charis (6). A servant, Annie Shannon was also present in the property. The property is the Bank House and branch.

On 11th May 1908, Purdon joined Northern Bank at Head Office.   

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Ball’s Branch (1908), Armagh (1911) and Grafton Street (1912).   

Ball's branch, Dublin

Northern Bank, Armagh branch

Northern Bank, Grafton Street branch

By 1911, Purdon was living in house 3, Athol Terrace, Bray, Co. Wicklow with his parents and his 2 siblings. A servant, Helen Morris is present in the property. Charles' occupation is recorded as a Bank Official. The property is the Bank House and branch.

Whilst based in Grafton Street, Purdon volunteered and enlisted on 20th November 1915 (aged 24) into the North Irish Horse as a Trooper with Service Number 1871.

C V Purdon - Medal Index Card

He was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 18th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles before being posted to the 12th Bn. Service was seen in St. Quentin 1918.

Purdon was injured once; a gunshot wound to the left leg.

The Belfast News Letter of 9th May 1918 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 14th February 1919 reported a further promotion to Lieutenant

He was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.  His correspondence address was 33 Wellington Road, Dublin.

C V Purdon - Medal Roll

As a result of his injury, a Pension Card was opened:

C V Purdon - Pension Card

Following demobilisation in February 1919, Purdon re-joined the Northern Bank on 1st March 1919 at Grafton Street. Transfers followed to Ball’s Branch (1919 - Teller).

The Irish Society (Dublin) of 23rd August 1919 announced the engagement of Charles to Miss Gladys May Lopdell Polson with the marriage taking place on 7th July 1920 at Christ Church, Dublin.

Later transfers were to Bray (1925- Pro-Manager), Lisburn (1934 - Sub-Manager), Newcastle (1937 - Manager) and Castlewellan (1945 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

Northern Bank, Castlewellan branch

The New Ross Standard of 1st January 1926 reported on a bank robbery at Northern Bank, Greystones when a revolver was pointed at Charles Purdon. The report was syndicated to many other newspapers including the Belfast Telegraph.

Whilst in Newcastle, Charles was elected Treasurer of the Royal County Down Golf Club.

A relative (see comments) advises that Purdon lived in Kilkeel until he died. Charles died on 19th April 1962. The PRONI Wills databases records:

"Purdon, Charles Vesey of Fiddane Manse Road Kilkeel county Down retired bank manager died 19 April 1962 Probate Belfast 17 August to Northern Bank Limited. Effects £3718 14s. 11d."

Knox, Robert Kyle (Junior)

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kyle Knox (Junior) MC OBE

Knox was born at 74 Antrim Road, Belfast on 19th July 1898 to Sam Wright Knox, Accountant and Grace Lucy Knox nee O'Brien. They had married on 9th September 1897 at Fahan Upper, Co. Donegal with his occupation recorded as a Banker.

In 1901, Knox (2) is living in house 11, Clifton Street, Belfast with his parents and sister, Dorothy Ann (0). The Head of Family of the house is Robert's uncle, Brian O'Brien. A visitor, Mary McCoach and 2 servants, Ellen Ken and Isabella Bond are also present.

By 1911, Knox is boarding in a school at Ulverton Road, Dalkey, Co. Dublin with a brother, William O'Brien Knox (9). The rest of his family are now living in house 9, Somerton Road, Belfast.

In 1901 and 1911, there is an elderly Robert Kyle Knox (63 in 1901 and recorded as a Retired Bank Director) living in 1 College Gardens, Belfast.  R K Knox (Senior) is a former Chairman of Northern Bank. 

On 15th October 1914, Knox joined Northern Bank at Head Office with his address record as Glenburn, Dunmurry.   

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

In the same month he volunteered and enlisted into the 10th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers as a Private with Service Number 16/959. His first theatre of war is not recorded but started on 2nd October 1915.

R K Knox - Medal Index Card

Following promotions through the ranks, he was gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Irish Rifles. He saw action at the Somme 1916, Cambrai 1917, St. Quentin 1918 and Ypres 1918. On 28th March 1918, he was injured and suffered a gunshot wound to his left leg. He also narrowly escaped being taken prisoner in the late fighting.  

The Belfast News Letter of 18th January 1918 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 4th April 1918 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 10th July 1918 reports:

Demobilisation came in February 1919. In addition to the Military Cross (MC),  he was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

L/Sgt R K Knox - Medal Roll

Following demobilisation, Knox re-joined the Northern Bank at Lisburn on 24th March 1919 as a ‘junior’. 

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

 A transfer in May 1919 took him to Ball’s Branch until 11th January 1922 when he resigned. 

Ball's branch, Dublin

It is probable that he volunteered for further service at the start of WWII as the London Gazette records a 2nd Lieutenant R K Knox MC (with Service Number 146469) serving with the Intelligence Corps in 1940. In 1943, he was recorded as a Major (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel).  

He was also awarded the OBE at some time between 1943 and 1946. 

On 17th October 1946, Knox was conferred with the USA military decoration, ‘Legion of Merit, Degree of Officer’ in recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies. The Legion of Merit is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. 

Military Cross (MC)

 Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

[the military version of the ribbon has an additional white vertical line]

Legion of Merit (Officer)

The Belfast Telegraph of 24th May 1965 reports the death of Lt Col R K Knox, aged 66 at Dublin.

Probate was granted to Richard Pigot and Jeremy Hughes:

McCrum, Robert Cowan

Lieutenant Robert Cowan McCrum

McCrum was born at Kilgreel, Templepatrick, Co. Antrim on 31st May 1892 to Samuel McCrum, Farmer and Elizabeth McCrum nee Birkmyre. They had married on 21st June 1874 at Templepatrick Presbyterian Church.

Samuel McCrum died on 11th February 1897 at Kilgreel.

In 1901 McCrum (8) was living in house 8, Kilgreel, Craigarogan, Antrim with his mother and 6 siblings; William (25), Samuel (24), Mary (21), James (17), Agnes (15) and Lizzie (13). 

McCrum joined Northern Bank on 2nd May 1910 at Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed with Keady (1910 - Junior), Ramelton (1911 - Junior) and Londonderry (1912 - Cash Book).

Northern Bank, Keady branch

Northern Bank, Ramelton branch

  In 1911 McCrum was boarding with the Watson family (of 8) in house 2, Crossmore, Co. Armagh.  

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

Whilst based in Londonderry, Robert aged 23, volunteered and enlisted on 15th December 1915 into the Cadet Company, 19th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles as a Private with Service Number 6843. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from October 1915.

R C McCrum - Medal Index Card

He was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and served in the 19th, 10th and 1st battalions. The Northern Bank 1924 Centenary book records Robert's service as Messines 1917, Ypres 1917, St. Quentin 1918 and the Allied Advance 1918. 

McCrum was injured once with a gunshot wound. As a result of his injury a Pension Record card was opened and the injury was recorded as a gunshot wound to his right arm. The pension started on 11th July 1917, 1 day after he was discharged.

R C McCrum - Pension Record Card

The Belfast News Letter of 27th August 1917 reports:

He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

R C McCrum - Medal Roll 1

R C McCrum - Medal Roll 2

The bank Staff Record card states that McCrum re-joined the bank in February 1919 at Londonderry branch (cashier, Accountant & Sub-Manager). It is probable that he was recuperating from his injuries from mid 1917 to early 1919.

On 25 October 1921, a Temporary Lieutenant R C McCrum was gazetted and retained the rank of Lieutenant in the Royal Ulster Rifles. 

On 20th July 1922 McCrum married a Miss Wightman at Londonderry.

Transfers followed to Omagh (1932 - Manager), Kilrea (1941 - Manager) and Connswater (1948 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Omagh branch

Northern Bank, Kilrea branch

Robert McCrum retired on pension on 30th June 1955 and died on 15th January 1969. He is buried in the Agherton Cemetery, Portstewart.

Alan McCrum, a descendent of R C McCrum attended the 2000 re-dedication ceremony of the Rolls of Honour.

Quail, Hugh Herbert Ormsby

2nd Lieutenant Hugh Herbert Ormsby Quail

Quail was born at Arthur Street, Ballina on 3rd March 1897 to Hugh Alexander Quail, Bank Clerk and Josephine Quail nee Ormsby. They had married on 17th September 1891 at Ballina Roman Catholic Chapel.

In 1901 Quail (4) was living in house 15, Clontivrin, Clonkeelan, Co. Fermanagh. with his parents and 2 siblings; David (6) and Henry (2). A servant, Mary Reilly was also resident in the property. The father is recorded as a Bank Cashier (Bank of Ireland - see newspaper clipping below).   

By 1911 Quail was living in house 47.2 High Street, Portadown, Co. Armagh with his parents and brothers. His father is described this time as a Bank Official. The property is the Bank of Ireland 'Bank House'.

Bank of Ireland 'Bank House' and branch, Portadown

On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, a Hugh Quail signed the Ulster Covenant at Armagh giving his address as 4 Barrack Street, Armagh.

Quail  (17) may have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1914 working in Markets branch. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee and gave his address as Bank of Ireland House, Belturbet. 

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Markets branch (Victoria Street)

Quail served with the 10th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles and attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

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

The Belfast News Letter of 15th August 1917 reports on his wounding

It is not known if Quail re-joined the bank following his demobilisation.

Quail sailed from Belfast on 24th July 1926 for Quebec and Montreal, Canada on the ship 'Regina'.

Hugh Quail died in Stratford, Ontario, Canada on 28th August 1941 after living there for a period of 17 years (circa 1924). His occupation is recorded as a Department Foreman, Furniture Worker.

He is buried in the Avondale Cemetery, Stratford:

MacGregor, Robert Peddle

[Newspaper cutting courtesy of Great War Ulster Newspaper Archive]

Acting Captain Robert Peddle MacGregor MC

MacGregor was born at Ann Street, Greenock, Scotland on 1st March 1884 to Gregor Guthrie MacGregor, Sorting Clerk and Telegraphist and Helen Wright MacGregor nee ??. Their surname is recorded as McGregor. They were married in Greenock on 26th January 1882.

In 1901 MacGregor (17) was living in 38 South Street, Greenock with his parents and 7 siblings; Alice W (16), Donald (13), Grace P (11), Helen C (8), Barbara P (6) Catherine (4) and Gregor Guthrie (1). Robert's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. Their surname is recorded as McGregor.

On 7th September 1903, MacGregor joined Northern Bank at Head Office giving his address as the Post Office, Lisburn.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Gregor Guthrie MacGregor, 45, died at Railway Street, Lisburn on 24th April 1905.

In 1911, MacGregor is living in house 25, Antrim Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim with his widowed mother Helen, 7 siblings and a visitor and a visitor, Agnes Wilson. Their surname is recorded as McGregor. Robert's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk.

He was a member of Lisnagarvey Hockey Club.

Transfers followed to Head Office (1913 - Relief) and Donegall Square (1913 - Ledgers).

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

MacGregor , aged 31, entered the Queen's University Officer Training Corps (OTC) and from there, volunteered and enlisted into the 14th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles on 6th March 1915 with Service Number 14/18292. He later served with both the 19th Bn. and the 9th Bn. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 5th October 1915.

R P MacGregor - Medal Index Card

MacGregor was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, then to Lieutenant in June 1916 and to Acting Captain in October 1916.

The Belfast News Letter of 13th November 1916 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 27th November 1916 reports:

MacGregor saw action at Messines on 7th June 1917.

The Belfast News Letter of 11th June 1917 reports:

MacGregor married a Miss Florence Irene Thompson on 26th March 1919 at The Methodist Centenary Church, Dublin.

MacGregor was injured and suffered a gunshot wound to the neck, shoulder and left lung.  MacGregor was invalided out in April 1919.  The Belfast News Letter of 5th April 1919 reports:



The London Gazette of 1st April 1919 reports McGregor (sp) relinquishing his commission on grounds of ill-health caused by wounds, 4th April 1919 and retains the rank of Lieutenant.

In addition to the Military Cross (MC), MacGregor was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

Following demobilisation, MacGregor obtained a position in the Ministry of Labour on 1st April 1919.

On 1st May 1920, he re-joined the Bank in the Coupon Department. Transfers followed with Royal Avenue (1921 - Sub-Manager), Head Office (1927), Shaftesbury Square (1929 - Manager) and Head Office (1934 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square branch

MacGregor was personally given a copy of E D Hill's 1925 Centenary volume of Northern Banking Company Limited.

Northern Bank Centenary Volume 1824 to 1924

The Belfast Telegraph of 1st April 1944 reported on the funeral to Lisburn Cemetery of Mr Gregor G MacGregor, brother of Robert, who had died in Lisburn a few days previously.

The Belfast Telegraph of 20th January 1945 reports on the 'standing-down dinner' of the Ulster Home Guard. Capt R P MacGregor MC (O.C. of 'B' Company).

On 1st February 1945 he was appointed as a Director of Northern Bank.

The Northern Whig of 21st May 1947 published a photograph of him at a British Legion presentation:

He retired from the bank on 29th June 1957.

The Belfast Telegraph of 26th August 1959 reported on the wedding of their son, Robert Malcolm Duffield MacGregor at McCracken Memorial Church, Belfast.

Here is his signature on a Northern Bank, Connswater branch 'Red Cross' account cheque from 1963:

[Image courtesy of an eBay advertisement]

Robert MacGregor died circa 1970/71.

He is also remembered on a memorial in Railway Street Presbyterian Church. Also remembered is his brother Cadet G G MacGregor (known as Gregor).