Wilson, Frederick Charles

Frederick Charles Wilson

was born at Ballycorr, Ballyclare on 29th November 1896 to Robert James Wilson, Farmer, Ballyeaston and Anna Wilson nee Ferguson. They were married on 9th February 1893 at the house of the brides father, Samuel Ferguson, Greengraves, Newtownards according to the form and discipline of the Presbyterian Church. The marriage was registered in Newtownards.

In 1901 Frederick (4) was living in house 43 Ballyalbanagh, Ballycorr, Co. Antrim with his parents and 4 siblings; Samuel (5), Robert (0), Hugh (6) and William (1). There were 2 servants also present; Mary Davison and Jane Wilson.

In 1911 Fred was living in house 21 Ballyalbanagh, Ballycorr, Antrim with his parents and 8 siblings; Hugh, Maggie (17), Samuel, William, Robert, Berta (8), Anna (6) and John (2). There were 2 servants also present; Frank Bell and Sarah McConkey.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, a Charles Wilson signed the Ulster Covenant at Ballyclare. This may have been Frederick C at age 15.

On 3rd June 1913 Fred joined Northern Bank at Royal Avenue (as Junior). In the same year he was transferred to Head Office and then Drumshanbo (as Junior).

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue, Belfast branch

In 1915, whilst in Drumshanbo, he volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Dublin Fusiliers with Service Number 25252.

Scans of his Army Service Record consisting of 13+ whole and some burnt pages exist. A few are posted below.

F C Wilson - Army Service Record extract - 

his address is recorded as Northern Bank, Drumshanbo

F C Wilson - Army Service Record extract - 

this shows where he served, unfortunately difficult to read

F C Wilson - Army Service Record extract - 

he is expressing a wish to be posted to the 10th Bn Royal Dublin Fusiliers

Frederick C Wilson - Medal Index Card

Frederick C Wilson - Pension Index Card

Frederick was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for service in the Great War.

Following demobilisation, he re-joined the Northern Bank on 2nd March 1919. Transfers followed to Claudy (1920 - Cashier), Londonderry (1922 - Cashier), Beragh (1922 - Cashier) and Head Office (1923 - Cashier).

Northern Bank, Claudy branch

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

Northern Bank, Beragh branch

Following his return to Head Office on 28th October 1923, his Staff Record Card records that he resigned as of 31st October 1923. The bank gave him a 'testimonial' letter.