Blair, Thomas James

Flight Sergeant Thomas James Blair

was born at Ballylutagh, Coleraine on 29th December 1886 to John Blair, Farmer and Martha Blair nee Barr. The Northern Bank staff ledger records his birth as 17th November 1886.  

In 1901 Thomas (14) was living in house 7, Ballyintagh, Drumcroon, Co. Londonderry with his parents and brother, Robert (9). An aunt, Jane Blair is also living in the house.

Thomas joined Northern Bank on 15th January 1903 at Head Office. Transfers followed to Bray (1903 - Junior), Londonderry (1906 - Junior), Head Office (1909), Ballymena (1910 - Accountant), Dungloe (1912 - Cashier) and Head Office (1912 - Accountants Room).  

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

Northern Bank, Ballymena branch

By 1911, Thomas is boarding with the White family (sisters Anne & Grace) in house 9, Clonavon Terrace, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. His occupation is recorded as an Accountant, Northern Bank.

Thomas (aged 29) was based in Head office when he enlisted on (attested) 9th September 1915 as an Airman (2) in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) with Service Number 8537. The Northern Bank staff record card records the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).

Promotion to Airman (1), Corporal, Acting Sergeant, Sergeant and Sergeant Clerk followed.

RAF Service Record - T J Blair

On 1st July 1916 Thomas married Miss Ida F Hunter, Clifton Drive, Belfast at Farnham, Surrey, England. Their first child, Ronald Higginbotham Blair was born on 1st October 1918.

Thomas served with Coastal Defence; Defence of London; British Expeditionary Force and was later promoted to Flight Sergeant. He saw action at Messines 1917 and Ypres 1917.  

He was demobilised 17th February 1919 to the Class Z Reserve and was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. His address on discharge was recorded as 31 Clifton Drive, Belfast.

Following demobilisation, Blair re-joined the Northern Bank on 10th February 1919 when he was transferred to Shaftesbury Square as its Accountant.

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast branch

In 1921 he was transferred to Strokestown as Manager and served there during the period of the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War. 

The Belfast News-Letter of 21st December 1927 reported the birth at the Somerset Nursing Home on 15th December 1927 of a a son to Mr & Mrs T J Blair, Northern Bank, Strokestown.

The Roscommon Messenger of 12th May 1928 reported on his transfer from Strokestown to Portadown:

More transfers followed with Portadown (1928 - Manager), Newry (1937 - Manager) and Londonderry (1941 - Manager). He is also recorded as applying for Dromore branch in 1923.  

Northern Bank, Portadown branch (white 3 story & attic building)

Northern Bank, Newry branch

Thomas Blair retired on 6th November 1946 and died on 25th June 1951 aged 64.