Cameron, James S

Cadet James Steel Cameron

was born at The Pass, Articlave, Co. Londonderry on 21st February 1897 to John Cameron, Farmer and Margaret Cameron nee Montgomery. They had married on 20th January 1887 at the 2nd Dunboe Presbyterian Church, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry.

In 1901 James (4) was living in house 21, Ballinrees, Letterloan, Co. Londonderry with his parents, paternal grandparents, Isaac & Rachel and 7 siblings; Rachel A (13), Esther K (12), Isaac (10), Joseph M (9), Thomas J (7), William M (5) and Margarette H (2).

By 1911 the property was known as house 1, Ballinrees, Letterloan, Co. Londonderry. James was living with his parents, his paternal grandmother and 8 siblings; Rachel A, Esther K, Isaac, Joseph M, William M, Margaret H, Jeannie (8) and David L (4).

On 28th September 1912, James signed the Ulster Covenant at 2nd Presbyterian Church, Drumboe, Coleraine along with his father John A Cameron.

James would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1914. His father, John signed the Bankers Guarantee for him.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee Ledger

James worked in Londonderry, Head Office and Portaferry branches.

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

James volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force on 30th May 1918 as a Private with Service Number 177565. His RAF document classes his trade as a 'Pilot'. The Belfast Bank war memorial describes him as a 'Cadet'.

James S Cameron - RAF Document (front)

James S Cameron - RAF Document (back)

Following demobilisation, James was transferred to Class G Reserve, on 1st February 1919. 

He re-joined the Belfast Banking Company and served in Rathfriland before transferring to Portaferry branch in 1927.

Belfast Bank, Rathfriland branch

Belfast Bank, Portaferry branch

The 'Belfast Telegraph' of  25th June 1925 reported the marriage of James S Cameron to Miss Kathleen H Shaw on 15th June 1925.

The 'Portadown News' of 6th March 1948 reported that James was part of the organising committee of Portadown Boat Club.

Belfast Bank, Portadown branch