Kearney, Herbert

Cadet Herbert Kearney

was born on 24th April 1892 at Knocknacarry, Ballycastle to William Kearney, Royal Irish Constabulary Sergeant and Isabella Jane Kearney nee Kearney. 

In 1901 Herbert (8) was living in house 82, Old Park Avenue, Clifton Ward, Belfast with his parents and 7 siblings; Elizabeth Margaret (18), Allen Gibson (6), John Dixon (11), Robert George (12), Thomas Edwin (15), Henry Ernest (22) and James Frederick (14).

Herbert applied for a job in the Belfast Banking Company and had to undertake an entrance examination held at Connell's Institute, The Strand, Londonderry.

The Derry Journal 18th March 1908

Herbert joined the Belfast Banking Company soon after his examination in 1908.   The Bankers Guarantee was signed by Eva Frances Kearney of Northern Bank, Downpatrick and annotated as 'his mother' in the bank's Bankers Guarantee Staff ledger. Henry Ernest Kearney was an elder brother of Herbert's.  His wife was Eva Frances Kearney. Henry was the Assistant Manager at Northern Bank, Downpatrick. Later signatories to the Bankers Guarantee are John Ennis and Elizabeth Margaret Ennis.  John & Elizabeth married on 5th August 1914.

Bankers Guarantee - Ledger sheet

By 1911 the family property is known as house 60, Oldpark Avenue, Clifton Ward, Belfast. Herbert is described as a Bank Clerk. There are 3 siblings living in the house, Robert George, Elizabeth Margaret and Allen Gibson. A cousin, Mary Emily Kearney is also present.

On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, Herbert signed the Ulster Covenant at the City Hall, Belfast giving his address as 128 Oldpark Avenue, Belfast.

Herbert volunteered and enlisted into the 19th Bn Royal Irish Rifles as a Private (Rifleman) with Service Number 19/20278. He later served as an Officer Cadet with an Officer Training Corps (OTC) although there is no evidence to show he was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. His first theatre of war is not detailed on his Medal Index Card. However the Prisoner of War record cards dated 23rd July 1918, 11th September 1918 and 20th September 1918 all mention St. Quentin, 21st March 1918 and the 12th Bn Royal Irish Rifles.

Medal Index Card - Herbert Kearney

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' records Kearney as being a 'Prisoner of War'. As mentioned above, the Prisoner of War record cards dated 23rd July 1918, 11th September 1918 and 20th September 1918 all mention St. Quentin, 21st March 1918 and the 12th Bn Royal Irish Rifles.

Prisoner of War Record Cards - 3 of combined -  Herbert Kearney

Herbert was awarded the British War medal and the British Victory Medal.

Medal Roll - Herbert Kearney

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Kearney returned to work eventually ending up in East End branch.

Belfast Bank, East End branch (Albertbridge Road, Belfast)

Herbert also worked in Head Office.

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

On 3rd June 1921 Herbert married Miss de Rance Dowey at Sinclair Seaman's Church, Belfast.

Herbert was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club on 27th March 1945 paying 5 shillings subscription.

Retirement came in 1953.

Herbert Kearney died on 17th May 1970.

Hunter, William Mortimer

2nd Lieutenant William Mortimer Hunter

Hunter was born at Barnhill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on 20th October 1890 to John Hunter, farmer and Margaret Elizabeth Hunter nee McLean. A twin daughter, Wilhelmina was born 10 minutes after William. They had married on 27th January 1879 at the residence of Thomas McLean, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal.

In 1901 Hunter was living in house 11, Glebe, Castlewray, Co. Donegal with his parents and 6 siblings; Margaret (18), Elizabeth (16), Wilhelmina (10), Thomas (8), Mary (5) and James (5). 3 servants, Mary Ann McGinley, Samuel McNutt and John Hegarty are also present in the house.

By 1911, the family are still living at that address. The parents are present and the following children, Margaret, Elizabeth, Jack, Mina, Tom, Mary and Jim. There are 3 servants too, Henry Deeming, Susannah McDaid and James Diver. Hunter is not present in the family home.

Hunter would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1907 / 1908 serving in Ballyshannon branch.

Belfast Bank, Ballyshannon branch

In 1911 he is boarding with the McQuade family in house 1, Sedan Terrace, Enniskillen. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. There is another bank clerk, Gerald K M K Lanie also boarding in the property.

Hunter volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers with Service Number 12/29269.  Later he was promoted to Lance Corporal and then 2nd Lieutenant.  His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 2nd May 1917.

Hunter was serving with 4th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers as a 2nd Lieutenant when he was killed in action on 29th June 1917 aged 26. 

On 6th July 1917 the News Letter reported his death in its 'Ulster and the War' column.

Ulster and the War column - courtesy of Nigel Henderson, Great War Newspapers

The bank memorial picture above states he was serving with the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed. His Medal Index Card confirms his service with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

Wm M Hunter - Medal Index Card 

Hunter was awarded the British War medal and the British Victory Medal.

He is buried in the Bard Cottage Cemetery, leper West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

Administration of the Estate of William M Hunter was granted at Londonderry to Margaret E Hunter, widow (his mother). Hunter's effects were £46 2s 6d.



Braddell, Claude

Lieutenant Claude Braddell (or Braddel)

was born in Belfast on 28th November 1886. This date is taken from his bank staff record and has not been verified.

In 1901 Claude was living with his aunt, Isabella Braddell in house 1, Eglantine Gardens, Belfast. Another aunt, Georgina Dunn and a cousin, Anne Kathleen Dunn and a servant, Elizabeth Kidd were also living in the house.

 
On 27th April 1903, he joined Northern Bank at Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Royal Avenue (1906 - Junior), Carrickfergus (1906 - Junior), Royal Avenue (1906 - Junior), Head Office (1911) and Ball’s Branch (1911 - Cashier).  

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch

Ball & Company, Henry Street, Dublin

In 1911, Claude is living in house 481, Lisburn Road, Windsor, Belfast. He is described as a Bank Clerk and is residing with his aunt Georgina and her daughter Kathleen. A servant, Sarah Bryans is also living in the house.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Claude signed the Ulster Covenant at the Old Town Hall, Belfast giving his address as 24, Lower Mount Street, Dublin.

On 24th February 1913, a Deed Poll was executed and enrolled changing his name from Claude Braddell Burbridge to Claude Braddell.

Braddell volunteered on 15th May 1915 and enlisted into the 5th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles aged 28. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 24th March 1916. 

Medal Index Card - Claude Braddel

He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and attached to the 2nd Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Subsequently he was attached to the 16th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Claude was promoted to Lieutenant on 1st July 1917.

Claude married Eileen Mary McClatchie on 22nd August 1917 at St George’s Church, Belfast, by the Rev H D Murphy, DD. His details are recorded as Claude Braddel, 2nd Lieutenant, 5th Royal Irish Rifle (Royal South Downs). Eileen was the only daughter of J W McClatchie, Northern Bank House, Donegall Square, West, Belfast. (An 18 year old, Eileen McClatchie is recorded in the 1911 Irish Census as living in Lurgan).

Northern Bank House, Donegall Square West, Belfast

Claude was demobilised in January 1919 and was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.  These were applied for on 29th October 1921.  His address at that time was 23 Pembroke Road, Dublin.

Claude Braddel - Medal Roll 

Following demobilisation, Claude re-joined the Northern Bank on 17th February 1919 at Ball’s Branch. Transfers to Beragh (1920 - manager) and Head Office (1924- Interim Manager) followed. The next year (1926), he was moved to Claudy as Manager.

Northern Bank, Beragh branch

Northern Bank, Claudy branch

Claude Braddell retired on 1st September 1941.

It is reported on a website that a Charles Braddel donated the altar, the reredos and credence table at the Cumber Upper Church, Alla, two kilometres south of Claudy in memory of his wife Eileen who passed away on 1st May 1959.

Hunter, Robert Torrens

Private Robert Torrens Hunter

was born on 28th November 1887 at High Street, Antrim to Kennedy Hunter, woollen draper and Sarah Jane Hunter nee Torrens. They had married on 6th July 1875 at Churchtown Presbyterian Church, Tamlaght O'Crilly, Maghera, Co. Antrim (registered in Ballymoney district).

Sarah Hunter passed away on 13th April 1896.

In 1901 Robert lived in house 33, Townparks, Antrim, Co. Antrim with his father and 2 siblings; Rosanna (22) and Samuel (16). A servant Ellen Aekin also lived in the house.  

Robert would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1905. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as Mount Oriel, Antrim.

Belfast Banking Company - Bankers Guarantee Ledger sheet

By 1911 Robert is boarding with Annie Fleming in her boarding house 22.1, Onomy, Urban West Street, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. He is described as a Bank Clerk. There are 3 other boarders, a niece and 2 servants also present in the property.

Belfast Banking Company, Castleblayney branch

Robert enlisted into the 10th Royal Fusiliers as a Private with Service Number G/47431. The Medal Roll below records his service as:

• 15/03/1916 to 28/04/1916 - 21st Battalion Royal Fusiliers
• 29/04/1916 to 10/08/1916 - 24th Battalion Royal Fusiliers
• 30/03/1917 to 18/04/1917 - 7th Battalion Royal Fusiliers
• 19/04/1917 to 08/04/1918 - 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet cannot be verified. The booklet records Robert as being 'previously injured' with his last known address as 'in France'.

Belfast Bank - 'Roll of Honour' booklet

Robert was awarded the British War Medal and the British Victory Medal for his service in the Great War.

R T Hunter - Medal Roll

Robert also served in Central and Londonderry branches.

Belfast Bank, Central branch, Donegall Square North, Belfast

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Roberts, Hugh Stanley

Lance Corporal Hugh Stanley Roberts

was born at Rigg, Ely, Co. Fermanagh on 18th September 1895 to Samuel Thomas Roberts and Margaret Jane Roberts nee Nixon. They were married on 20th August 1884 in Enniskillen.

In 1901 Hugh was living in house 1, Rigg, Ely, Co. Fermanagh with his parents and 2 sisters; Katie (14) and Lillie (13). Two servants were also in the house, Patrick Murphy and Mary Maguire.

In 1911 Hugh was living in house 7, Rigg, Ely, Co. Fermanagh with his parents, 2 sisters and a brother, Thomas N (18).

On 11th April 1913, Hugh joined Northern Bank at Head Office.   

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Fintona (1913 - Junior) and Head Office (1914). 

Northern Bank, Fintona (Photo courtesy of Allan McCullough Family)

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

In September 1914, Hugh volunteered and enlisted into the 9th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers as a Private with Service Number 13613. This was to be for the ‘duration of war’. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 15th November 1915.

H S Roberts - Medal Index Card

Prior to being killed in action, aged 20, on 1st July 1916 he was promoted to Lance Corporal (Corporal 2nd). His name is recorded on a grave in the Rossorry Church of Ireland graveyard.

Hugh was awarded the 1915 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in the UK Commonwealth War Graves.

UK Commonwealth War Graves 1914-1920 - H S Roberts

The Register of Soldiers' Effects records that Hugh's father, Samuel T Roberts received £9 1s 3d on 17th January 1917 and that his mother received £8 0s 0d on 22nd October 1919 as a War gratuity.

Register of Soldiers' Effects - H S Roberts

A Pension Record Card was created in respect of Hugh's mother.

Pension Record Card -  H S Roberts

Mathews, William Frederick Alexander

Private William Frederick Alexander Mathews

was born at 15 Windsor Road, Dublin on 16th November 1893 to Marcus Beresford Mathews, Bank Clerk and Annie Mathews nee Henry. They had married on 23rd February 1886 at Clones Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 William is living in house 31.1 Henry Street, North City, Dublin with his parents and 6 siblings; Ada (13), Annie (9), Helen (1), Richard (14), Alfred (3) and Marcus (11). Two servants, Mary Smyth and Sarah Nicholson are also living in the house. Marcus Beresford Mathews is described as a Bank Manager.

On 6th August 1910, Mathews joined Northern Bank at Ball’s branch, Dublin.

Ball & Company, Henry Street, Dublin

By 1911, William is living in house 115 Grafton Street, South City, Dublin. (Northern Bank House) with his parents and 6 siblings; Adelaide, Annie, Alfred, Helen, Reginald and Mary. Marcus is recorded as a bank manager and William is recorded as a bank official.  

Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin branch

A transfer to Head Office followed in 1914.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

On 15th April 1914, William volunteered and enlisted into the 7th Bn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers as a Private (M.G.S.) with Service Number 14199.

Mathews, W F A - Medal Index Card

William fought in battles at Suvla Bay Landing and Chocolate Hill before he was Killed in Action on 13th September 1915 aged 21.

William was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey and in the family church, St Werburgh, Dublin.
 
Many thanks to the Facebook group Royal Dublin Fusiliers for posting this family memorial from the church.

The Register of Soldiers Effects records that William's pay and war gratuity was paid to his father, Marcus.

Mathews, W F A - Soldier's Effects Ledger

William was commemorated in a Gallipoli Centenary event [video] at the Northern Banking Company exhibit, Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra in April 2015.

Kennedy, William

Private William Kennedy

Kennedy was born on 13th November 1892 in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, Scotland, the son of the Reverend Samuel Guiler Kennedy and Christina Lary (maiden name unknown).

In 1901 Kennedy (8) lived in house 5, Crescent Gardens, Windsor, Belfast with his parents and 3 siblings; Christina Lary (6), J A Chancellor (5) and James (2). A servant, Helena Jane McCready also lived in the house.

Following his education at RBAI (Inst), Kennedy joined Northern Bank on 4th January 1910 at Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Shaftesbury Square (1910 - Junior), Magherafelt (1911 - Junior), Shaftesbury Square (1912 - Junior) and Head Office (1912 - Relief Staff).  

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square branch

Northern Bank, Magherafelt branch

Kennedy's bank staff ledger records "Willing to deliver passbooks to private houses".

In 1911 Kennedy was living in house 31, Cromwell Road, Cromac Ward, Belfast with his parents and 5 siblings; Christina (18), Josias (15), James (12), Samuel (9) and Herbert (8). A servant, Annie Trainor was also living in the property. William's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. 

On 9th September 1914, whilst based in Head Office, he volunteered and enlisted into the 14th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles as a Private (Rifleman) with Service Number 14/16657. His unit is also recorded as the Young Citizen Volunteers. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 5th October 1915.

William Kennedy - Medal Index Card

Kennedy was killed in action on 7th June 1917 and is buried in the Spanbroekmolen British Cemetery, Belgium. 

In the July 1917 edition of the Inst School News, it was announced that Kennedy had been awarded a Certificate for Gallantry in the field.

He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

Kennedy is also remembered on the RBAI (INST) 1914-18 War Memorial:

Photograph courtesy of LennonWylie

Administration of the Estate of Kennedy was granted at Belfast to Reverend Samuel G Kennedy.  Kennedy's effects were £200.

*  Thanks must go to this website for some of the photographs - Kennedy Genealogy.

Also see S G Kennedy who was a cousin and worked for the Belfast Banking Company.