McCready, William Austin

Lance Corporal William Austin McCready

was born in 1883 in Ellesmere district, Canterbury, New Zealand. 

On 17th July 1900, Austin (1901 Irish Census) joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address is recorded on his bank Staff Record as Articlave, Co. Londonderry.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Ballinamore (1901 - Junior), Londonderry (1902 - Junior), Head Office (1902 - Junior), Lisburn (1903 - Junior), Downpatrick (1903 - Junior), Holywood (1911 - Cashier & Accountant), Oldcastle (1912 - Cashier & Accountant) and Head Office (1914). 

Northern Bank, Ballinamore branch

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

Northern Bank, Holywood branch (gable wall with windows)

Northern Bank, Oldcastle branch (later branded as National Irish Bank)

In 1901, Austin is boarding with the McGauran family in house 15, Main Street, Ballinamore. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Official. Another bank official, John Hannan is also boarding here.

By 1911,Austin has moved to Holywood and is boarding with a Mrs Lucinda Elizabeth Pinkerton in house 13, Marine Parade, Holywood, Co. Down. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Official. Another boarder, Lt John Francis Mark, 1st Bn Royal Irish Rifles (Active List), is also in the property.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, a William McCready signed the Ulster Covenant at Articlave Orange Hall, Co. Londonderry giving his address as Sconce.

Whilst in Oldcastle branch, William (1911 Irish Census), on 5th December 1914, volunteered and enlisted into the 24th (Sportsman’s) Bn. Royal Fusiliers as a Private for the term of the war. His Service number was SPTS/2264.

His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 15th November 1915. He saw service with the British Expeditionary Force and was later promoted to Lance Corporal. His service was in the Somme 1916, Guillemont and Vimy Ridge before he became a Prisoner of War in Germany. 

Demobilisation came in February 1919. William was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal for his service in the Great War.

On 20th February 1919 he re-joined the Northern Bank at Londonderry as Teller. Transfers to Newry (1919 - Sub-Manager), Head Office (1922 - Interim Manager) and Ballynahinch (Manager) followed. 

Northern Bank, Newry branch

Northern Bank, Ballynahinch branch

William A McCready died on 15th May 1939. He is reported in a 'News Letter' death notice as being the late Manager of Northern Bank, Ballynahinch.