Duff, Donald McDonnell

Commander Donald McConnell Duff (RNVR)

Duff was born at St Patrick's, Mohill, Co. Leitrim on 7th February 1899 to William John Duff, Bank Inspector and Amelia Marie Duff nee Polson. They had married on 12th December 1894 at The Parish Church, Mohill. William's occupation is Manager, Northern Bank and his address was recorded as Ballymena.

In 1901 Duff (2) was living in house 296, Ormeau Road, Belfast with his parents and 3 siblings; Mary (5), Alice (3) and William (0). Rose Kane, a servant and Catherine Pentland, a visitor were also in the house.

By 1911 the house was detailed as 195 Ormeau Road, Belfast. The parents, Donald and 5 siblings; Scott (6) and John (4) were the new additions to the family. Emily Campbell, a servant was also in the house.

On 12th December 1914, Duff  joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Belfast

Transfers followed to Shaftesbury Square (1915), Head Office (1918), Newtownstewart (1918), Shaftesbury Square (1920), Head Office (1922), Ball’s Branch (1935) and Head Office (1939).

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square branch

Northern Bank, Newtownstewart branch

Ball's branch, Dublin

 

Duff joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1925. 

On 27th August 1939, he was called up on Active Service with later promotions to Paymaster, Lieutenant Commander (RNVR) and Paymaster, Commander (1943).

 
He is the elder brother of William Archibald Duff.

Donald Duff died on 31st July 1948. PRONI Wills records:

Duff Donald McConnell of 24 Skegoniel Avenue Belfast bank official died 31 July 1948 at the Abbey Sanatorium Whiteabbey Administration Belfast 6 October to Rhoda Grace Mary Duff the widow. Effects £1014 0s. 7d.