Craig, John Henry

2nd Lieutenant John Henry Craig

was born at 7 Kildare Street, Newry on 15th April 1896 to John Craig, Merchant and Susan Craig nee McClelland. The bank Staff Record Card records his name as John Henry Craig (photo above shows Craig I H) and has his date of birth as 12th April 1896 annotated on it. His parents were married on 11th April 1887 at Shankill Parish Church, Lurgan.

In 1901 John (4) lived in house 7, Kildare Street, Newry with his parents and 5 siblings; Susan (7), Emily (13), Eleanor (10), Charles (8) and Samuel (2). Two other men were also in the property; Samuel Agnew (Shop Apprentice)  and James Agnew (Shop Assistant). A servant, Mary Kearney was also present.

By 1911 the property is known as house 4, Kildare Street, Newry. John is living with his parents and siblings although the line for Susan was stroked out. Other people present were John Taylor (Apprentice), Margaret Duffy (Servant) and Isabella Campbell (Servant).

 
On 29th May 1912 John joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Ballyclare (1912 - Junior) and Head Office (1914).

Northern Bank, Ballyclare branch

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, John Craig signed the Ulster Covenant at Newry Orange Hall.

John volunteered and enlisted on 19th September 1914 into the 16th Bn Royal Irish Rifles for the duration of the war. His Service Number was 16/931. He was later promoted to Lance Corporal, Acting Corporal, Sergeant and then given a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.

His first theatre of ware is recorded as France from 5th October 1915.

J H Craig - Medal Index Card

J H Craig - Medal Roll 1

J H Craig - Medal Roll 2

John was discharged from the Army on 25th May 1918 and returned to the bank. He was awarded the 1915 Star, British Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service in the Great War.

He resigned on 1st December 1918 for an accountancy role in 'War Pensions'.

Possible matches

The Belfast Telegraph published on 14th April 1932 reports a John Henry Craig as working for the Ministry of Labour as Chief Officer.

The Northern Whig published on 25th February 1956 reports a John Henry Craig, Ballyholme Esplanade, Bangor as being appointed as a new Permanent Secretary of Agriculture.

The above mentioned gentleman died on 23rd August 1957 at Government Buildings, Stormont.