Bullick, Edwin

Courtesy of Lisburn Museum

Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant Edwin Bullick

was born at Bachelors Walk, Lisburn on 3rd September 1894 to James Parker Bullick, Painter and Katie Bullick nee Pyne. They had married on 15th April 1894 in Annahilt Church of Ireland.

 In 1901 Edwin (6) lived in house 67, Bachelors Walk, Lisburn with his parents and 2 sisters; Elizabeth Irene (4) and Kathleen (2).

Edwin was educated at the Ulster Provincial School (Friends' School), Lisburn. In 1906 he won the 'Prize for the Head of the [3rd] Form' and for 'French'. In 1908 he won the 'Arithmetic (Special Prize)'.

The following postcard (front & reverse) dated 27th April 1908 appeared in a Facebook group posted by Ernest McGookin.

Postcard addressed to Edwin Bullick

On 2nd May 1910, Edwin joined Northern Bank at Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

By 1911, Edwin was residing in house 36, Railway Street, Lisburn with his parents and 6 siblings; Elizabeth Irene (14), Kathleen (12), Ida Helen (9), Moses (7), Nora Gertrude (5) and James (3). A servant, Margaret Alley is also present in the house. Edwin is described as a Bank Clerk.

In 1913, he was transferred to Ball’s branch as Junior.

Ball & Company, Henry Street, Dublin

Whilst in Ball’s branch, he travelled back to Lisburn on 9th September 1914 and enlisted (aged 20) into the 11th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles under Col. Pakenham for the duration of the war. His Service Number was 11/17338. He has recorded his occupation as a Clerk.

Service Record - Edwin Bullick

Medal Index Card - Edwin Bullick

Edwin saw service with the British Expeditionary Force and was promoted to Lance Corporal in October 1914. He was made Sergeant in December 1914, Company Quarter Master Sergeant in January 1915. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 5th October 1915.

On that date, Edwin left Bordon Camp for France and is named on the Embarkation List for the 11th (Service) Bn. Royal Irish Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers). Promotion to Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant came in March 1916. Edwin saw action at Somme 1916 (Thiepval), Messines 1917, Ypres 1917 and Cambrai 1917.

Edwin was demobilised in January 1919 and was awarded the 1915 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

Medal Roll - Edwin Bullick

Medal Roll - Edwin Bullick

(*) William Parker Bullick, a relative from
house 6, Bachelors Walk (1911) is detailed below Edwin

The original medals and leather service number tags have been framed along with those of another Northern Banking Company official, J W Harrip.

Courtesy of David Wilson

Edwin was transferred on demobilisation to the Class Z Reserve.

Following demobilisation, Edwin re-joined the Northern Bank on 3rd February 1919 at Head Office.  A transfer to Ballynahinch as Cashier followed in 1922 and whilst there, was later promoted to Pro-Manager. He was back in Head Office (1926 - Interim Manager) followed by Ederney, Co. Fermanagh (1930 - Manager). By 1938 Edwin was manager of Holywood branch.

Northern Bank, Ballynahinch branch (on left)

Northern Bank, Holywood branch

In 1926, Edwin Bullick of 10 Wallace Avenue, Lisburn travelled via Liverpool to La Pallice, France on the ship, Orbita.

Passenger List - Edwin Bullick - 4th November 1926

In 1927, Edwin Bullick of 10 Wallace Avenue, Lisburn travelled via Southampton to Algiers, Algeria on the ship, Grotius.

Passenger List - Edwin Bullick - 1927

In 1928/29, Edwin & Agnes Bullick of Lisburn, Northern Ireland travelled via Liverpool to Gibraltar on the Glasgow steamer, Britannia (built by Anchor Line (Henderson Bros) Ltd., Glasgow).

Passenger List - Edwin Bullick - 1928/29

Whilst working in Ederney, Edwin was a member of Magheraculmoney (Kesh) Parish Church.

On 29th June 1938, the Belfast Telegraph carried a report about an 'Ederney Bank Raid'.

Belfast Telegraph dated 29th June 1938

Edwin Bullick retired on 15th January 1951.

Allister Mulligan posted two photographs of a postcard on the Caledon and Aughnacloy Memories facebook group. The postcard was posted in 1913 and is addressed to Jas P Bullick at 28 Railway Street, Lisburn.

The following photographs (taken through glass) come by courtesy of Lisburn Museum and its donors.

Lisburn Standard - Friday, 15th November 1918

Mr James Parker Bullick

The death took place at his residence, Wallace Avenue, Lisburn, on Sunday, following a long illness, of Mr. James Parker Bullick, second son of the late Moses Bullick, and a member of the firm of Moses Bullick & Son, painters and contractors. Belfast and Lisburn. Deceased was held in the highest regard by all who knew him. He was a fine sportsman in his younger days, and was a staunch Unionist. He was a member of the Lord Arthur Hill Masonic Lodge, Blaris, No. 147. A sterling Churchman, like his father before him he worshipped in Christ Church. He took a keen interest in the war, and if he died with any regret it was that he did not live to see peace declared, though he had the satisfaction of knowing before the end came that victory was assured. 

His eldest son, Quartermaster Edwin Bullick. R.I.R., is serving at the front, and it is sad to think that he got the news of his father's death on the day that peace was declared. Prior to volunteering Q.M.S. Bullick was an official in the Northern Bank, Belfast. 

Sincere sympathy is felt for the widow and children in their bereavement.

The funeral took place on Wednesday at noon to the New Cemetery, the cortege being a large and representative one.  The chief mourners were -- Maurice and James Bullick (sons), E. Bullick (brother), Edward P. Bullick (nephew), and James G. Bullick, Rathfriland. Wreaths were sent by Mr. and Mrs. Moses Bullick. Ellen and Annie, "All from Daisy Hill" (Newry), Mr. Harry Anderson, and Mr. John Jefferson.  Prior to the funeral Rev. R. H. S. Cooper conducted a short service at the house. Mr. Cooper also officiated at the graveside.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Jellie & Fullerton.