Spiller, Edwin Fredelle

Sergeant Edwin Fredelle Spiller

Spiller was born at Marlborough Park, Belfast on 3rd March 1889 to Daniel Frederick Spiller, Solicitor and Alice Spiller nee Hall. They married on 6th March 1879 at St. Anne's Parish Church, Belfast.

In 1901 Spiller (12) was living in house 84, Lisburn Road, Windsor, Belfast with his parents and 2 siblings; Alys (Alice in 1911) May (17) and Robert Frederick (13). Two servants were also present in the house; Margaret Black (25) and Letitia Dugan (26).

By 1911 the house number changes to 86 from 84. His parents and siblings, Alice and Robert are living with 2 servants; Sarah Wilkinson (56) and Sarah Jamison (33).

Following his education at Methodist College, Belfast, Spiller joined the Belfast Banking Company on 16th January 1907. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as 4 West Elmwood Road, Belfast. Later on, his mother and sister were added with their address recorded as 4 Adelaide Park, Belfast. 

Belfast Bank, Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet (1)

Belfast Bank, Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet (2)

A later Bankers Guarantee was signed by Spiller 's wife, Jean Spiller with the addresses being recorded as 4 College Avenue, Londonderry and Belfast Bank, Portrush.

 
By 1911, Spiller was boarding in house 14, Abercorn Place, Londonderry, Co. Londonderry. His occupation is detailed as a Bank Official.

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Belfast Bank, Portrush branch

In September 1914, Spiller volunteered and enlisted into the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and is recorded on his Medal Index Card as a Lieutenant. His Service Numbers were 2176 (Royal Highlanders) and S/443681 (ASC - Army Service Corps).

Medal Index Card - E F Spiller

His first theatre of war is recorded as Western Europe from 2nd May 1915. The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records Edwin as having been 'previously wounded' with his last known address 'Belfast'. 

Newspaper report of Edwin's injury

A Pension Record card was created as a result of his injury which is recorded as a G S W Head (gun shot wound to the head).

Pension Record Card - E F Spiller

Spiller was discharged from the army on 7th March 1919. He was awarded the 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the British Victory Medal

Following demobilisation, Edwin returned to work in Portrush branch. 

Spiller is reported by many golfing internet sites as being a golfer who won or was runner up in the annual Irish Amateur Open Championships. He was a member of the North West Golf Club who report that he represented Ireland as a Senior International from 1924 to 1929. 

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Winter 1984)’ contains a photograph of Edwin in Londonderry branch in the 1930’s.

E F Spiller, Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

The Belfast News-Letter of 13th June 1934 reported on the marriage of Edwin to Miss Janet (Jean) Henderson at Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church (6th June 1934).

Belfast Telegraph of 7th June 1934

In 1935, he is reported to be living at ‘Rossclair’, Ramore Avenue, Portrush with a son, Noel (Ashley) at Campbell College. 

Spiller was an honorary member of Malone Golf Club with his name recorded on this plaque:

Retirement came on 1st July 1941 as manager of Portrush. 

Edwin Spiller died on 25th May 1980.