Wilgar, William James

Lieutenant William James Wilgar 

was born at Ballylesson on 8th February 1892 to John Wilgar (Bank Clerk, Northern Bank and Farmer) and Jane Wilgar nee Clarke. They were married on 9th September 1880 at Castlereagh Presbyterian Church,

In 1901, William (9) is living in house 52, Ballylesson, Breda Ward, Belfast with his parents and 4 sisters; Eveline (6), Rosanne (19), Jane Clark (17) & Marion Elizabeth (11). An aunt, Jane Wilgar and 2 servants; Martha Millar and Ellen White are also present.

On 14th July 1908 William joined Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Donegall Square (1909) and Head Office – Relief (1911). 

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

In 1911 William is living an house 11, Ballylesson, Breda, Belfast with his parents and 2 sisters; Marion Elizabeth and Eveline. An aunt, Jane Wilgar is also in the house.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Wilgar signed the Ulster Covenant at Drumbo. 

On 25th February 1915, whilst on Relief Staff, William volunteered and enlisted into the 11th Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment at the age of 23.  

He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and transferred into the Machine-Gun Corps. Promotion to Lieutenant followed. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 12th March 1916.

Medal Index Card - W J Wilgar

William received one injury, a gunshot wound. The Belfast News Letter dated 30th August 1916 reported:

His address was reported as 'Fernlea', Lisburn Road, Belfast.

On 3rd September 1916 the Casualty List announced:

"Listed as "Wounded" on the Casualty List issued by the War Office. This man was entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of the 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being met by their naming in this list."

William saw service at the Somme 1916, Messines 1917, Ypres 1917 (Passchendaele), Cambrai 1917, Allied Retreat 1918 and the Allied Advance 1918.  

Demobilisation came in July 1919. He was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. 

Medal Roll - W J Wilgar

On 2nd September 1919 the London Gazette announced the awarding of the Belgian Croix de Guerre to Temp Lt Wm J Wilgar:

"Gazette No. 31537. Croix de Guerre. The following are among the Decorations and Medals awarded by the Allied Powers and various dates to the British Forces for distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign. His Majesty the King has given unrestricted permission in all cases to wear the Decorations and Medals in question. Decorations Conferred by, His Majesty the King of the Belgians."

Following his demobilisation, William re-joined the Northern Bank on 16th July 1919 at Grafton Street, Dublin as a Junior before being promoted to Teller.

Northern Bank, Grafton Street branch, Dublin

Further transfers followed to Antrim (1929 - Manager), Letterkenny (1937 - Manager) and Ballycastle (1943 - Manager). 

Northern Bank, Antrim branch

In 1929 William was elected as Treasurer of Antrim Royal British Legion.

Northern Bank, Ballycastle branch

William Wilgar retired on 31st December 1953. He was a member of Lisnagarvey Hockey Club.

W J Wilgar of Northern Bank, Antrim is reported as being the Secretary of Masserene Golf Club in 1935 (The Ulster Tourist Development Association Ltd). 

The family were members of Malone Presbyterian Church. His name is recorded on the church War Memorial and on their Roll of Honour.

He died on 13th October 1968 leaving a widow Ann Isobel Wilgar (nee Miller).

W J Wilgar is buried in Drumbo Presbyterian Church Graveyard. He is also remembered on the church War Memorial.

Headstone on the grave of W J Wilgar at Ballylesson Graveyard