Company Quarter-Master Sergeant Thomas Mahood MBE
Mahood was born at 27 Lawnbrook Avenue, Belfast on 24th September 1887 to Samuel Mahood, Street Inspector and Arabella Mahood nee Beggs.In 1901 Mahood (13) was living in house 58, Ballydownfine, Ballygomartin Ward, Co. Antrim with his parents and 4 siblings; James (22), Samuel (16), Hugh (11) and George Hamilton (7).
Mahood would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1905. His father signed the Indemnity to the bank. Later on, his brother Samuel would take on the Guarantee. Various family addresses are recorded:
- 98 Balmoral Avenue, Belfast
- 51 Lisburn Road, Belfast
Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet
By 1911 Mahood is boarding in house 16, Forthill Street, Enniskillen East, Co. Fermanagh with a family with surname Hood. He is described as a Bank Clerk.
Manhood's parents are living in house 98 Balmoral Avenue, Belfast. Brothers Hugh and George are still residing at home.
On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, a Thomas Mahood signed the Ulster Covenant at Enniskillen giving his address as Font Villa, Enniskillen.
In October 1914, Mahood enlisted into the Royal Irish Rifles with Service Number 15538 giving his age as 26 years and 11 months. His occupation is a Bank Clerk.
Short Service Attestation - Thomas Mahood
According to his Medal Index Card, Mahood served with the 10th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles and attained the rank of Quarter-Master Sergeant. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 5th October 1915.
Medal Index Card - Thomas Mahood
Whilst on leave from the 'front', Thomas Mahood married Nora Morrison, 22 at Drumballyroney Parish Church, Co. Down on 2nd December 1916.
Marriage Registration - Thomas and Nora Mahood
Mahood was awarded the 1914-15 Star (rank recorded as Lance Corporal), the British War Medal and the Victory Medal (rank recorded as Colour Sergeant and CQMS).
1914-15 Star Medal Roll - Thomas Mahood
British War & Victory Medal Rolls - Thomas Mahood
Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Mahood returned to work eventually ending up as Manager of Portaferry branch. He also worked in Enniskillen and Rathfriland.
Belfast Bank, Enniskillen branch
Belfast Bank, Rathfriland branch
Belfast Bank, Portaferry branch
[Acknowledgements to the J Millar Collection]
[Acknowledgements to the J Millar Collection]
On 7th January 1949, the Belfast Gazette recorded Thomas Mahood of Belfast Bank House, Portaferry as being appointed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). 1949 New Year's Honours list. As Honorary Secretary, Upper Ards Local Savings Committee, Co. Down.
Retirement came in 1951 and he died on 8th February 1961. PRONI records the following in their Will Calendars collection:
"Mahood, Thomas of 1 Slievemoyne Park Newcastle county Down retired bank manager died 8 February 1961 Probate Belfast 27 April to Nora Mahood the widow. Effects £1639 6s. 4d."
Dear Gavin Bamford: I enjoyed your hstorical memorial about Thomas Mahood. Several years ago I learned the name of the small town on the NE Irish coast. But I have the papers in storage. Perhaps you know the Mahood story! My first American ancestor, James Mahood, was a Revolutionary War soldier in the 4th Maryland Regiment which at Yorktown. There was also a Colonel Mahood with Cornwallis. 40% of the Continemtal soldiers were Scots-Irish. General George Patton is one of the more recent examples! My Dad was an artillery captain with Patton in WW II! Please contact me by email about the town on the Irish Coast:
ReplyDeletedcchuck47@gmail.com Your comments are appreciated! Charles W. Stone