Dougan, Roland Hamill

Cadet Roland Hamill Dougan

was born at 40 Carlisle Street, Belfast on 19th February 1897 to James Alexander Dugan, bread-server and Susan Dugan nee Hamill. The surname is spelt Dugan on the birth registration with Dougan being crossed out. They had married on 9th October 1895 at Macrory Memorial Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

In 1901 Roland (4) was living in house 40, Carlisle Street, Court Ward, Belfast with his parents and a brother Earnest (2). Two boarders, William Driscoll and George Auchterlonee (?) were also present in the house.

By 1911 the family had moved to house 9, Albert Terrace, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry. A further 3 siblings were in the house, Delia (9), Kenneth (6) and Lina (3).

On Ulster Day, 28th September 1912, Roland signed the Ulster Covenant at the Town Hall, Coleraine giving his address as Coleraine.

Roland would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1914 aged around 17. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as 9 Albert Terrace, Coleraine. At later dates, his mother, brother and one other were recorded in the ledger. Roland is recorded as working in Head Office and Rathfriland branch.

Belfast Bank -  Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

Belfast Bank, Rathfriland branch

On 19th October 1918 Roland enlisted into the RAF as a Clerk with Service Number 308742. He records his fathers address as 14 Ferryquay Street, Londonderry. 

RAF Airmen Records - R H Dougan - page 1

RAF Airmen Records - R H Dougan - page 2

A month later Roland was transferred to 247 Squadron RAF. Wikipedia records this about the squadron:

"No. 247 Squadron was first formed in World War I on 20 August 1918 by the amalgamation of No. 336 and 337 Flights of the Royal Naval Air Service. The squadron was equipped with Felixstowe F2A flying boats and its role was reconnaissance and anti-submarine work in the North Sea. With the cessation of hostilities, the squadron was disbanded on 22 January 1919."

Roland was transferred to RAF Reserves on 21st February 1919. He had served 4 months in the Great War.

The Belfast Bank record his rank as a Cadet on the Roll of Honour picture above. His name is not recorded in the Belfast Bank 'Roll of Honour' booklet.

Roland died on 8th March 1956. The PRONI Wills Calendar record:

"Dougan Roland Hamill of 64 Downpatrick Street Rathfriland county Down bank official died 8 March 1956 Probate Belfast 15 June to Vera Hamilton Dougan the widow. Effects £2402 3s. 1d."