Archibald, Robert Richmond

Colour Sergeant Robert Richmond Archibald

was born at 1 East Wall, Londonderry on 23rd July 1890 to Lowry B Archibald, Commission Tea and Tobacco Agent and Margaret L Archibald nee Smith. Lowry died on 20th October 1928. 

In 1901 Robert lived in house 20, Donnybrewer, Eglinton, Co. Londonderry with his parents and 6 siblings; M L, David, M A G, Elizabeth, John S and James B. His uncle John Archibald, Agnes J McCay (a visitor) and Bridget Grant (servant) were also present in the house.

Archibald joined Northern Bank on 14th July 1909. The next day saw Robert start in Limavady branch. and then Coleraine in 1911.

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

By 1911 Robert (20) was living in house 15, Donnybrewer, Eglinton, Co. Londonderry with his parents and 4 siblings; Margaret L (31), David (29), Elizabeth (24) and James B (16). His uncle John Archibald and a servant Mary Gallagher are also living in the house. Robert is described as a Bank Clerk. 

A further transfer in 1912 took him to Irvinestown branch as Accountant.

Cheque drawn on Northern Bank, Irvinestown branch

Whilst in Irvinestown branch, Robert volunteered and enlisted on 14th October 1914 as a Private into the 11th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers aged 24 with Service Number 14243. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 4th October 1915. He is recorded as a Lance Corporal on the 1915 Star Medal Roll.

R R Archibald - Medal Index Card

The Belfast News Letter dated 12th September 1914 records R R Archibald as donating 10/- to the Prince of Wales National Relief Fund.

Belfast News Letter, 12th September 1914

Robert progressed through the ranks (Lance Corporal, October 1914; Sergeant and Acting Quarter Master Sergeant, October 1915; Colour Sergeant, 1917). He saw action at Somme 1916 (Thiepval), Messines 1917; Ypres 1917 (Langemarck); Cambrai 1917; St Quentin 1918 and the Allied Advance 1918.  

Robert was demobilised in April 1919 and was awarded the 1915 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. 

Medal Roll - R R Archibald

Medal Roll - R R Archibald

Demobilisation came on 15th March 1919 when he was transferred to 'Z' Class Reserve.

Robert re-joined the Northern Bank on 13th May 1919 when he was posted to Ball’s branch as a Ledger Clerk. In 1923 he was appointed as Securities Clerk.

Ball & Company, Henry Street, Dublin

In December 1935, Robert was transferred to Head Office, Stocks and Coupon Department. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Robert Archibald died in service on 27th January 1949 aged 58.

The PRONI Wills database records "Archibald Robert Richmond of 42 Galwally Park Belfast bank official died 27 January 1949 at 1 College Park East Belfast Probate Belfast 2 May to James Berkley Archibald manufacturer's agent. Effects £2955 2s. 7d.".