Braddell, Claude

Lieutenant Claude Braddell (or Braddel)

was born in Belfast on 28th November 1886. This date is taken from his bank staff record and has not been verified.

In 1901 Claude was living with his aunt, Isabella Braddell in house 1, Eglantine Gardens, Belfast. Another aunt, Georgina Dunn and a cousin, Anne Kathleen Dunn and a servant, Elizabeth Kidd were also living in the house.

 
On 27th April 1903, he joined Northern Bank at Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Royal Avenue (1906 - Junior), Carrickfergus (1906 - Junior), Royal Avenue (1906 - Junior), Head Office (1911) and Ball’s Branch (1911 - Cashier).  

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch

Ball & Company, Henry Street, Dublin

In 1911, Claude is living in house 481, Lisburn Road, Windsor, Belfast. He is described as a Bank Clerk and is residing with his aunt Georgina and her daughter Kathleen. A servant, Sarah Bryans is also living in the house.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Claude signed the Ulster Covenant at the Old Town Hall, Belfast giving his address as 24, Lower Mount Street, Dublin.

On 24th February 1913, a Deed Poll was executed and enrolled changing his name from Claude Braddell Burbridge to Claude Braddell.

Braddell volunteered on 15th May 1915 and enlisted into the 5th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles aged 28. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 24th March 1916. 

Medal Index Card - Claude Braddel

He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and attached to the 2nd Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Subsequently he was attached to the 16th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Claude was promoted to Lieutenant on 1st July 1917.

Claude married Eileen Mary McClatchie on 22nd August 1917 at St George’s Church, Belfast, by the Rev H D Murphy, DD. His details are recorded as Claude Braddel, 2nd Lieutenant, 5th Royal Irish Rifle (Royal South Downs). Eileen was the only daughter of J W McClatchie, Northern Bank House, Donegall Square, West, Belfast. (An 18 year old, Eileen McClatchie is recorded in the 1911 Irish Census as living in Lurgan).

Northern Bank House, Donegall Square West, Belfast

Claude was demobilised in January 1919 and was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.  These were applied for on 29th October 1921.  His address at that time was 23 Pembroke Road, Dublin.

Claude Braddel - Medal Roll 

Following demobilisation, Claude re-joined the Northern Bank on 17th February 1919 at Ball’s Branch. Transfers to Beragh (1920 - manager) and Head Office (1924- Interim Manager) followed. The next year (1926), he was moved to Claudy as Manager.

Northern Bank, Beragh branch

Northern Bank, Claudy branch

Claude Braddell retired on 1st September 1941.

It is reported on a website that a Charles Braddel donated the altar, the reredos and credence table at the Cumber Upper Church, Alla, two kilometres south of Claudy in memory of his wife Eileen who passed away on 1st May 1959.