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.

Boyd, William Harris

Trooper William Harris Boyd

was born at Market Street, Limavady, Co. Derry on 1st April 1884 to Joseph Douglas Boyd, Draper and Martha Jane Boyd nee Rodgers. They had married on 27th May 1864 at Newtownlimavady Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 William (16) lived in house 32, Irish Green Street, Limavady with his parents and 4 siblings; Joseph Douglas (27), James Francis (24), Sara Francis (21) and Mary Douglas (19). His father is recorded as a magistrate and a woollen draper.

William joined Northern Bank on 20th May 1902. Transfers followed to Ballinamore (1902 - Junior), Cushendall (1904 - Junior), Head Office (1910 - Relief) and Mohill (1910 - Cashier).  

Northern Bank, Ballinamore branch

Northern Bank, Cushendall branch (1922 burning)

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Mohill branch

By 1911, William is boarding in house 58, Main Street, Mohill, Co. Leitrim with a colleague, Charles Kevin Fitzsimons. One is a Bank Clerk and the other, a Bank Cashier. 

On 27th January 1916 (11th February 1916 Army MIC), William volunteered and enlisted as a Trooper into the North Irish Horse with Service Number was 2112. He served as an Assistant Instructor at the North Irish Horse Signalling School, Antrim.  

Medal Index Card - W H Boyd

The Forces War Records database records William H Boyd as being discharged on 19th December 1917 due to injuries inflicted by a horse. He was awarded a Silver War Badge numbered B139382 - Reason for Discharge: Paragraph 392 King's Regulations (xvi) No longer physically fit for war service.

Silver War Badge - W H Boyd

William was entitled to a pension as a result of his injuries:

Pension Record Card - W H Boyd

William re-joined the Northern Bank on 2nd April 1918 at Head Office with a transfer later to Ballymoney (1918 - Cashier) and Armoy (1922  - Manager). He had previously refused Mohill or Fivemiletown branches on 'grounds of ill-health'.

Northern Bank, Ballymoney branch (to right of Belfast Banking Company)

Northern Bank, Armoy branch with entrance porch tiling

William Boyd married a Miss Frances E McAdoo of Ballinamore. She died on 19th September 1951 at 219 Orby Drive, Belfast. 

William died suddenly at Northern Bank House, Armoy on 9th January 1934 aged 49.

The Belfast News-Letter of 10th January 1934 carried this death notice:

Death Notice - W H Boyd

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.

Stronge, James Desmond

Major James Desmond Stronge TD

was born at 4 Byron Road, Holywood on 25th September 1918 to Robert George Stronge, Engineer and Agnes Stronge nee Hamilton. They had married on 2nd April 1918 at Townsend Street Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

James was educated, in part, at the Masonic School, Dublin.

On 7th April 1937 James joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address at that time was 72 Deramore Avenue, Belfast.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Lurgan (1937 - Junior), Head Office (1941 - Junior), Falls Road (1941 - Junior), Carrickfergus (1941 - Junior) and Head Office (1942).

Northern Bank, Lurgan branch

Northern Bank, Falls branch, Divis Street, Belfast

James was ‘Called up on Active Service’ on 2nd March 1943. His rank and promotions are recorded as Gunner, Cadet, 2nd Lieutenant and Captain, Royal Irish Fusiliers with Service Number 327769. 

Capt J D Stronge married Miss A E Quinn of Boyaghan, Irvinestown in November 1945. The Belfast News-Letter dated 22nd November 1945 reported the wedding:

Belfast News-Letter dated 22nd November 1945

On 10th February 1947 James resumed duty with the Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Donegall Square (1947 – Relief Staff, 1st Assistant & then Control Clerk), Newtownstewart (1953 - Teller and then Manager) and Portadown (1966 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Donegall Square

Northern Bank, Newtownstewart branch

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

James carried on his army career in the Territorial Army (TA). In 1951 he was promoted to Major and in 1958 he is recorded as being the second-in-command of the 5th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers with the rank of Major.

He received the Territorial Decoration (TD) in 1961.

James is commemorated on the Masonic School Roll of Honour:

Masonic School Roll of Honour

The Belfast Telegraph dated 3rd December 1975 posted this obituary for J D Stronge (aged 57):

Belfast Telegraph - 3rd December 1975