Lyons, Stewart

Acting Captain Stewart Lyons

Lyons was born at 19 Mark Street, Portrush on 17th January 1895 to Robert S Lyons (Boots in a Hotel) and Ellen M Lyons nee Farren. They had married on 26th April 1876 at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Ballywillan, Portrush.

In 1901, Lyons (6) was living in house 27, Mark Street, Portrush, Co. Antrim with his parents and 2 siblings; Lizzie Kirk (14) and Robert M (10). A cousin, Nellie Kirk (19) was also living in the property.

By 1911, their property was known as house 19, Mark Street, Portrush, Co. Antrim. Stewart (16) is living with his mother and and sister Elizabeth. Evelyn McCready is boarding there. An aunt, Jane Kelly is also in the house. Stewart's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk - Unemployed.

 
Lyons joined Northern Bank on 5th January 1912 at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed with Royal Avenue (1912), Drumshanbo (1912) and Magherafelt (1913).

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch

Northern Bank, Drumshanbo branch

Northern Bank, Magherafelt branch

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Lyons  signed the Ulster Covenant at the City Hall, Belfast giving his address as The Bank, Drumshanbo, (Co. Leitrim).

 
On 30th June 1915, Lyons volunteered and enlisted into the 12th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
The 'Northern Constitution' published on 3rd July 1915 carried this report that featured Stewart Lyons:

Lyons was promoted to Corporal before being gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 12th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and also served with the 9th Bn. and 11th Bn. Promotion to Acting Captain came later. 

Lt S Lyons - Medal Index Card

Lyons saw action at the Somme 1916 (Thiepval) and the Allied Advance 1918. He suffered 2 gunshot wounds before being demobilised in April 1919.

The Belfast News Letter of 18th September 1918 reports:

As a result of his injuries, a Pension Record Card was opened giving his address as N B Coy Ltd, Sackville (Street), Dublin.

S Lyons, Pension Record Card

Following demobilisation, Lyons re-joined the Northern Bank on 12th May 1919 at Ball’s Branch.

Ball's branch, Dublin

Transfers followed to Newry (1920 - Accountant), Londonderry (1922 - Cash), Omagh (1927 - Cash), Grafton Street (1930 - Pro-manager), Boyle (1933 - Manager) and Bray (1940 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Newry branch

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

Whilst working in Londonderry branch, Lyons married Florence Mary Leland (formerly Leland - widow) on 3rd July 1922 at Rathdown, The Mariners' Church, Kingstown, Ireland.

Northern Bank, Omagh branch

Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin

Northern Bank, Drumshanbo branch - also see this website.