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Saturday, 6 January 2024

Bass, Hugh Gray


Sergeant Hugh Gray Bass (known as Jamesie to family)

Bass was born at Ivy House, William Street, Drogheda on 22nd July 1914 to Isaac William Bass, Secretary and Sara Bass nee Colhoun. 

Following his education at Campbell College, Bass joined Northern Bank on 1st March 1935 at Head Office. His address is recorded as 18 Cedar Avenue, Antrim Road, Belfast. 


Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Lisburn (1935 - Junior), Portadown (1941 - Relief Staff) and Randalstown (1941 - Junior).


Northern Bank, Lisburn branch


Northern Bank, Portadown branch (in background)


Northern Bank, Randalstown branch

Bass was ‘Called up for Active Service’ on 28th October 1943 when he joined the RAF as an AC2 before being promoted to LAC and then Sergeant.

Bass married a Miss J I Hanna of Lisburn on 8th September 1944.

Following demobilisation, Bass resumed duty in the bank on 30th December 1946 before resigning the next year (1947) to enter his father-in-law’s business in Lisburn.

H G Bass became well known through his work in Lisburn Historical Society. He wrote a book on ‘Boyd’s of Castle Buildings’ and ‘Alexander Boyd & Co’ – Records and Recollections of Alexander Boyd & Co. Ltd.

The Campbell College Register of Lennon Wylie records Bass, Hugh Gray (E), b. 22nd July, 1914, son of Mrs. Bass, Tir-na-nog, Jordanstown. L.VI, July, 1932. Scholar. N.I. Civil Service, 1934. Northern Bank, 1935. 1939-45 War: R.A.F., V.R. Director, Alexander Boyd & Co. Ltd. Address: The Drift, Clonevin Park, Lisburn. (M.q.)

Acknowledgements to the lennonwylie website.

Hugh G Bass was later to be elected as a councillor to Lisburn Borough Council. Whilst Mayor, he met the British Home Secretary and future Prime Minister, James Callaghan on 26th March 1971.


Picture from 'Lisburn The Town and its People 1873-1973' by Brian Mackey [Ulster Star]

He was later made a Freeman of the Borough of Lisburn. This image is of him (middle) showing his scroll to other councillors on 26th September 1973.


Picture from 'Lisburn The Town and its People 1873-1973' by Brian Mackey [Ulster Star]

The main image is of Hugh Bass attending the 1974 Ex-Servicemen's Association dinner.

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