Captain Reginald Robert Carson MacGrath MC
MacGrath was born at 2.2 Morehampton Road, Dublin on 4th July 1886 to William Ellison MacGrath, Gentleman and Kate MacGrath nee Carew. He was baptised on the 10th July 1886 at Donnybrook, Dublin.
In 1901 Reginald (14) lived in house 5, Montpelier Parade, Blackrock, Dublin with his parents and 2 siblings; Kathleen (20) and William (23). A servant, Mary Limmons (27) also lived in the house. William MacGrath is recorded as being 'Retired from Bank'.
The Belfast News-Letter of 18th October 1904 carried a report of 'the remains of William Ellison MacGrath, late manager of the National Bank, Kingstown were interred today'.
Reginald would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1903/04 and is recorded as working in College Green, Dublin branch. His Bankers Guarantee was signed by his mother, Kate.
R R C MacGrath - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet
Belfast Banking Company, College Green, Dublin branch
Reginald volunteered and enlisted into the 2nd Bn. Royal Irish Regiment and attained the rank of Lieutenant (14th March 1916) and later, Captain. His Medal Index Card records his first theatre of war as France from 14th June 1915.
R R C MacGrath - Medal Index Card
The card records him as a Captain who has been awarded the MC - Military Cross. The London Gazette of 25th April 1919 records:
3rd R. Ir. Regt.: R R C MacGrath, M.C., is placed on the ret. list on account of ill-health contracted on active service, 27th Apr. 1919, and is granted the rank of Captain.
The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records MacGrath as having been awarded military honours, the Military Cross (MC). His last known address is recorded as 'in France'.
Capt R R C MacGrath - Medal Roll 1
2/Lt R R C MacGrath - Medal Roll 2
The Medal Index Card records Reginald's address as (1) c/o Grace Bros, Lagos, Nigeria and then (2) Elm Park House, Elm Park Gardens, London, SW1.
Following his demobilisation and on 'account of ill-health contracted on active service', Reginald was eligible the Silver War Badge although I cannot find a record on Ancestry. A Pension Record Card also exists for Reginald.
Lt & A/Capt R R C MacGrath MC - Pension Record Card
The Irish Society (Dublin) of 30th April 1921 announced his engagement to Catherine Beatrice King-Church.
It is not thought that Reginald returned to the bank following demobilisation. There are a few sea voyages (found on Ancestry) between England & South Africa and return:
1922 - Lagos, Nigeria to Southampton - travelled with Catherine Beatrice MacGrath
1935 - England to Cape Town, South Africa - travelled with A N Other
1938 - Durban, South Africa to Southampton - travelled with Catherine MacGrath
1946 - England to Cape Town, South Africa - solo trip
1948 - Mombasa, Kenya to England - travelled with Catherine MacGrath
Reginald Carew MacGrath of 23 Boxgrove Avenue, Guildford died on 29th March 1959. Probate records his estate going to Sheilagh Beatrice King-Church presumably a family member on his wifes side.
Reginald Carew MacGrath of 23 Boxgrove Avenue, Guildford died on 29th March 1959. Probate records his estate going to Sheilagh Beatrice King-Church presumably a family member on his wifes side.
R C MacGrath - Probate
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