Bailey, Robert Nixon Armstrong

Major Robert Nixon Armstrong Bailey

was born at Ballymagowan, Clogher, Co. Tyrone on 7th June 1881 to William Henry Bailey, Clergyman and Eleanor O. Bailey nee Armstrong. They had married on 4th August 1875 at St. Mary's Parish Church, Drummully, Co. Monaghan.

Following his education at Dungannon Royal School, Robert would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1899 / 1900. His address at that time was The Manse, Clogher (Clogher Presbyterian Church).

In 1901, Robert was boarding with Jane Wilson, Setting Apartments in house 20, William Street, Fair Gate, Drogheda, Co. Louth.  His occupation is described as a Bank Clerk and he may have been working in Drogheda branch of the bank.

Belfast Bank, Drogheda branch

By 1911, Robert was boarding with Jennie Witherow and her niece, Lena Louden in house 25, Glenmanus, Ballylagan, Co. Londonderry.  His occupation is described as a Banker and may have been working in Londonderry branch.

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Robert is recorded on a later newspaper report as working in Ballymena and Portrush branches.

Belfast Bank, Ballymena branch

Belfast Bank, Portrush branch

Robert volunteered and enlisted in the Public Schools Battalion and also served with the 2nd Bn. Highland Light Infantry and attained the rank of Major in the Labour Corps. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 30th September 1915.

R N A Bailey - Medal Index Card

[Address: The Green, Dunmurry]

Robert is reported in the Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet as being 'previously wounded' with his last known address as 'in France'.

The Belfast News Letter of 26th April 1916 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 27th March 1919 reports:

On 17th December 1918, Robert married Mary Gwladys John, Nurse at Haslemere Parish Church, Surrey.

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Robert returned to work eventually ending up as Manager of Whitehead branch. 

Belfast Bank, Whitehead branch

During the Ulster 'troubles' of the 1920s, Robert served as a Sergeant in the 'B' Specials, Royal Ulster Constabulary and later as the Commanding Officer of the South Belfast Battalion, Ulster Special Constabulary (USC).

The Belfast News-Letter of 11th January 1926 carries a report that mentions Lt Col R N A Bailey presiding at a farewell dinner to members of the 'C Specials, Royal Ulster Constabulary' at Thompson's Restaurant, Belfast. Later reports him a Major.

There are quite a few other newspaper reports featuring Major R N A Bailey or his wife, Belfast Bank, Whitehead during the war years.

The Larne Times of 27th June 1946 reports the resignation (probably retirement) of Major Bailey from the Belfast Bank, Whitehead. It also reports Mrs Bailey as being awarded the MBE in the previous New Year Honours list.

The Belfast Telegraph of 3rd July 1953 carries a photograph of Mrs Bailey, MBE walking behind Sir Norman Stronge and Her Majesty The Queen at Balmoral, Belfast.

Mrs Bailey MBE in her capacity as Area Chairman of the Royal British Legion features more that her husband in the local newspapers.

Robert, aged 76, died at Lagan Valley Hospital, Lisburn on 29th September 1957. Probate was granted to his widow, Mary.

The Northern Whig of 1st October 1957 carried an obituary of Major R N A Bailey: