Hanna, Alexander (Lex)

Captain Alexander Hanna (known as Lex)

was born at 17 University Street, Belfast on 15th December 1920 to Alexander Hanna, Traveller and Matilda Wallace Hanna nee Trotter. They had married on 26th April 1918 at St. Mary Magdalene Church of Ireland, Belfast. Their addresses were recorded as 9 Upper Crescent, Belfast and 17 University Street, Belfast.

9, 8 & 7 Upper Crescent, Belfast

On 1st May 1939 Lex joined Northern Bank at Head Office. In 1940 he was transferred to Windsor branch as Junior.

Lex joined the Territorial Army (Royal Regiment of Artillery) in 1938 and was ‘Called up on Active Service’ on 21st May 1941. His unit was the 66th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. His rank and promotions as Lance Bombardier (unpaid), Lance Bombardier and Bombardier. Further promotion came when he was gazetted from a cadet to be a 2nd Lieutenant on 4th June 1943 with Service Number 278219.

Lex was awarded the 1939-45 Star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal and the War Medal for service during WW2.

The picture above is of Lex's actual miniature (dress) medal group (my thanks go to his daughter, Pauline for making them available).

See Medals awarded during WWII.

On 16th April 1948 Lex was awarded a commission in the Territorial Army (TA). He was gazetted to be a Captain from 24th May 1948. Later he was placed on the TA Reserve of Officers on 21st May 1953.

On 7th October 1946 he resumed duty with the Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Ball’s Branch (1946), Head Office (1948), Ballymena (1948 - Assistant Accountant).

The Belfast News-Letter of 13th May 1949 reported Lex as passing his Institute of Bankers in Ireland final examinations. This was later syndicated to the Belfast Telegraph and the Ballymena Weekly Telegraph.

Lex was 2nd with an award of 5 guineas when he passed his Diploma in Foreign Exchange examinations as reported in the Belfast News-Letter of 28th April 1950.

Further transfers followed to Newtownbutler (1951 - Cashier), O’Connell Street (1955 - Pro-Manager in 1961), Head Office (1964), Keady (1966 - Manager) and Armagh (1969 - Manager).

Ball & Company, Henry Street, Dublin

Northern Bank, Ball's branch, Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Ballymena branch

Northern Bank, Keady branch

Lex was transferred in 1969 as Manager to the Scotch Street, Armagh branch. He and his family resided in the managers accommodation above the branch. Whilst there he had been involved with the Combat Cancer Fund (mentioned in various death notices). He retired as Manager on 30th September 1983.

Northern Bank, Scotch Street, Armagh branch

The staff magazine 'The Link' recorded his retirement 'do' at the Carngrove Hotel.

Retirement party for Lex Hanna - 1983

Lex Hanna died on 14th June 2002.