MacDonnell, Robert Campbell

Gunner Robert Campbell MacDonnell

MacDonnell was born at 11 De Burgh Terrace, Londonderry on 19th March 1900 to Robert MacDonnell, Bank Clerk and Virginia Mary MacDonnell nee McCulloch. Their surnames were recorded on the birth register as McDonnell. They were married on 27th April 1899 at Cumber Presbyterian Church, Londonderry.

In 1901 MacDonnell (1) was living in house 11, De Burgh Terrace, Londonderry with his parents and a servant, Catherine Boutcher (18). Robert (Senior) is described as a Bank Cashier. Their surname is recorded as MacDonnell.

By 1911 they have moved to house 30, Mill Street, Ballymena. The father is now recorded as a Bank Manager. A servant, Margaret Sara Wylie (22) is also living in the house.

Belfast Bank, Ballymena branch (Belfast Bank House)

MacDonnell would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1917 and is recorded as working in Markets and Whitehead branches. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee for him. Roberts wife, Anne Louise MacDonnell of The Square, Portaferry (also later of Belfast Bank House, Whitehead) later joined in the guarantee.   

R C MacDonnell - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

The Northern Whig of 29th September 1913 records a R C MacDonnell as winning a Foyle College swimming event over 2 lengths.

MacDonnell volunteered and enlisted as a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery. Although Ancestry has records of a Robert McDonnell in the Royal Garrison Artillery, the enlistment date would record Robert as 15 years and 9 months. This is unlikely.

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, MacDonnell returned to work eventually ending up as Manager of Whitehead branch. He also served in Markets branch.

Belfast Bank, Markets branch (Victoria Street, Belfast)

The Ballymena Observer of 16th September 1921 reports on the marriage of John Alexander Givens, Cashier, Belfast Bank, Kilkeel and Miss Emily Lancashire. Robert is recorded in the article as giving the new couple a 'Silver Toast Rack'. His parents gave them a 'Salad Bowl'.

The British Newspaper Archive records a lot of articles with R C MacDonnell in them. Many are linked to his time in Portaferry branch and later in Whitehead branch.

Belfast Bank, Portaferry branch 

(acknowledged to J Miller Collection)

Belfast Bank, Whitehead branch 

MacDonnell was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club in March 1947 paying 5 shillings subscription.

Retirement for Robert came in 1961.

MacDonnell died on 18th April 1970.

 
The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Winter 1984)’ contains a photograph of Roberts father, Robert MacDonnell in Londonderry branch in the 1930’s.

Staff, 1930, Belfast Bank, Shipquay Street, Londonderry branch