Small, Thomas Milliken

Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant (RQMS) Thomas Milliken Small

was born in Keady on 24th March 1889 to Samuel Sturgeon Small, Draper and Katherine Emily Small nee Milliken. They had married on 24th August 1887 at Dundela Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

In 1901 Thomas lived in house 65, Main Street, Keady, Co. Armagh with his mother and 2 sisters; Louisa (17) and Johnena (7). A governess, Marguerite Hardy and a servant, Eliza Campbell were also in the property.

Thomas' father, Samuel was boarding in house 2.1 in Ardrea (Kilmore, Armagh). This may have been a small hospital as there were 20 other residents in the property on this day ranging from a matron, gentleman's attendant, attendants, ladies nurse, nurses, kitchen and domestic servants.

On 10th April 1907 Thomas joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Downpatrick (1907 - Junior), Head Office (1907), Ballymena (1907 - Junior), Grafton Street (1908 - Junior), Head Office (1909), Grafton Street (1909) and Head Office (1910). 

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

Northern Bank, Ballymena branch

Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin branch (tall building with chimneys)

Thomas' father, Samuel Small died in Glen House, Keady on 20th October 1908.

In 1911, Thomas was living in house 6, Groomsport Road, Bangor, Co. Down with his mother and sister, Johnena. A servant, Catherine McParland is also in the house. Thomas' occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk.

Katherine Small, Thomas' mother died in 57 Ballyholme Road, Bangor on 1st February 1914.

The Bank Staff Record card records Thomas as volunteering and enlisting into the Ulster Volunteer Force on 11th September 1914.

Thomas had volunteered at Bangor and enlisted into the 13th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles as a Private with Service Number 18782. His Army Service Record attestation form and medical record is displayed below.

T M Small - Army Attestation Form - page 1

T M Small - Army Medical Record

He was later posted to the 16th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Promotion to Company Quarter Master Sergeant and Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant followed. 

Service was seen in the Somme 1917 (Thiepval), Messines 1917, Ypres 1917 and Courtrai 1918. 

Thomas Milliken was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal for service in the Great War.

T M Small - Medal Index Card

T M Small - Medal Roll

Following demobilisation in May 1919, he re-joined the Northern Bank on 10th June 1919 at Head Office. 

Thomas Small married Miss Margaret Magee of Knock on 6th July 1921 (Marriage Registration) at Knock Church of Ireland. The Bank Staff Record card records the marriage as taking place in June 1921.

He attended a dedication service at First Bangor Presbyterian Church as reported in the 'North Down Herald and County Down Independent' published on Saturday, 2nd April 1921.

'North Down Herald and County Down Independent' 

published on Saturday, 2nd April 1921

In 1926 he was appointed as Head of Correspondence Department.

A transfer to Dungannon as Manager followed in 1935.

 
He retired on pension on 30th June 1941 and later moved to Bangor where he enjoyed playing cricket, tennis and golf with his name being mentioned in many newspaper club reports.

 
Thomas Small of 24 Clifton Road, Bangor died at Ards Hospital on 31st August 1955 aged 66.