Henderson, James Alexander

Acting Sergeant James Alexander Henderson

was born in Tamnamore, Lower Cumber, Co. Londonderry on 24th February 1890 to James Henderson, Teacher and Elizabeth Henderson nee McGeagh (of Magherafelt). They had married on 26th April 1885 at Draperstown Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 James (11) lived in house 4, Tamneymore, Tamnaherin, Co. Londonderry with his parents and 7 siblings; Ida E (15), William G (14), Sarah J (12), Robert (9), Samuel (8), David J (6) and Violet M (1).

On 17th April 1906, James joined Northern Bank at Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Ballybay (1906 - Junior) and Coleraine (1908 - Junior).  

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

In 1911, James was boarding in house 1, Nursery Avenue, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry. His occupation is recorded as a Banker’s Clerk.

Henderson played golf in the first Northern Bank golf outing on 21st March 1913 at Dunmurry:

Photo courtesy of LennonWylie

December 1913 saw him return to work in Head Office. 

Whilst in Belfast, James enlisted into the 14th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles as a Private with Service Number 14872. 

His Service Record still exists and is on microfilm in the National Archives. It consists of 24 burnt and charred papers. In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers' documents for the First World War were destroyed. A selection of the better ones are displayed below.

Service Records - J A Henderson - Document Number 1

Service Records - J A Henderson - Document Number 2

Service Records - J A Henderson - Document Number 9

Promotions to Lance Corporal, Corporal and Acting Sergeant followed.  

James saw action in the Somme 1916 (Thiepval) and later suffered septic poisoning and would later be transferred to the Labour Corps with Service Number 479619.

James was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. 

Medal Index Card - James A Henderson

On demobilisation, James was transferred to the Class Z Army Reserve. He later applied for compensation and a pension due to his injuries.

Pension Record Card (front) - J A Henderson

Pension Record Card (reverse) - J A Henderson

James returned to work for Northern Bank at Holywood branch (1919 - Cashier) and was posted to Newry branch (1922 - Cashier). 

Northern Bank, Holywood branch (gable wall in distance)

Northern Bank, Newry branch

 Transfers followed to Royal Avenue (1924 - Accountant), Markets (1929 - Pro-manager), Pomeroy (1934 - Manager) and Magherafelt (1938 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch

Northern Bank, Markets branch

Northern Bank, Magherafelt branch

James Henderson retired from the bank in October 1951.

He died on 23rd September 1976. 

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (August 1981)’ contains a photograph of James Henderson in a 1913 Northern Bank Staff Golf outing.