Henderson, James Alexander

Acting Sergeant James Alexander Henderson

was born in Tamnamore, Lower Cumber, Co. Londonderry on 24th February 1890 to James Henderson, Teacher and Elizabeth Henderson nee McGeagh (of Magherafelt). They had married on 26th April 1885 at Draperstown Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 James (11) lived in house 4, Tamneymore, Tamnaherin, Co. Londonderry with his parents and 7 siblings; Ida E (15), William G (14), Sarah J (12), Robert (9), Samuel (8), David J (6) and Violet M (1).

On 17th April 1906, James joined Northern Bank at Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Ballybay (1906 - Junior) and Coleraine (1908 - Junior).  

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

In 1911, James was boarding in house 1, Nursery Avenue, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry. His occupation is recorded as a Banker’s Clerk.

Henderson played golf in the first Northern Bank golf outing on 21st March 1913 at Dunmurry:

Photo courtesy of LennonWylie

December 1913 saw him return to work in Head Office. 

Whilst in Belfast, James enlisted into the 14th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles as a Private with Service Number 14872. 

His Service Record still exists and is on microfilm in the National Archives. It consists of 24 burnt and charred papers. In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers' documents for the First World War were destroyed. A selection of the better ones are displayed below.

Service Records - J A Henderson - Document Number 1

Service Records - J A Henderson - Document Number 2

Service Records - J A Henderson - Document Number 9

Promotions to Lance Corporal, Corporal and Acting Sergeant followed.  

James saw action in the Somme 1916 (Thiepval) and later suffered septic poisoning and would later be transferred to the Labour Corps with Service Number 479619.

James was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. 

Medal Index Card - James A Henderson

On demobilisation, James was transferred to the Class Z Army Reserve. He later applied for compensation and a pension due to his injuries.

Pension Record Card (front) - J A Henderson

Pension Record Card (reverse) - J A Henderson

James returned to work for Northern Bank at Holywood branch (1919 - Cashier) and was posted to Newry branch (1922 - Cashier). 

Northern Bank, Holywood branch (gable wall in distance)

Northern Bank, Newry branch

 Transfers followed to Royal Avenue (1924 - Accountant), Markets (1929 - Pro-manager), Pomeroy (1934 - Manager) and Magherafelt (1938 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch

Northern Bank, Markets branch

Northern Bank, Magherafelt branch

James Henderson retired from the bank in October 1951.

He died on 23rd September 1976. 

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (August 1981)’ contains a photograph of James Henderson in a 1913 Northern Bank Staff Golf outing.

Heenan, Alfred Thompson

Private Alfred Thompson Heenan

was born at Drumanaghan, Seaforde, Co. Down on 3rd August 1897 to John Heenan, Farmer and Matilda Heenan nee Thompson. 

In 1901 Alfred (3) lived in house 1, Drumanaghan, Seaforde, Co. Down with his parents and 8 siblings; Jenni (17), Lillie (13), Robert (5), Thomas H (0), William (7), James R (9), John (11) and David (16). There were also 2 servants in the household; John Mulholland and Annie O'Neill.  

By 1911, their property was known as house 17, Drumanaghan, Seaforde. The undermentioned school article records the property as Drumonaghan House, Clough. Alfred was living with his parents and 4 siblings; Harriett Elizabeth, Johnny, Robert and Thomas Harry. A servant Catherine Lambe also lived in the property.

Alfred was educated at the Royal School, Dungannon. A current teacher, Paul Kerr has kindly given me the following photograph.

"... Heenan playing for our 1st XV in the 1913-14 season ..."

Alfred joined the Northern Bank in 1915 at Falls branch.

Northern Bank, Falls branch

Alfred was based in Falls branch when he enlisted into the 6th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles as a Private with Service Number 20174. He later transferred to the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment with Service Number 21027.

A T Keenan - Medal Index Card

A T Keenan, Medal Roll

Alfred was awarded the British War Medal and the British Victory Medal.

A T Keenan - Pension Card

Alfred was demobilised on 29th May 1919 to 45 Clarendon Street, Londonderry. A Disability Pension Card was created for Alfred Keenan but with little information on it.

He is listed on the Roll of Honour in Clough Presbyterian Church, Downpatrick. Alfred's brother John is also named on the memorial. John's story in this link to a North Irish Horse website.

Clough Presbyterian Church - War Memorial & Roll of Honour
[Courtesy of Ricky Cole via Nigel Henderson]

It is not known whether he re-joined the bank but the following magazine article indicates that he went to live in Canada. where he married Minnie Richardson. The 1911 Irish Census records Minnie Richardson (15) living with her parents at house 5, Castle Hill, Dungannon. 

 "... clipping from our June 1922 school magazine
relating the news of his wedding in Canada ..."

In 1928, A T Heenan is reported as playing rugby for Toronto Irish as Vice-Captain (Belfast News-Letter dated 15th October 1928).

Alfred Heenan and Minnie Heenan had a daughter, Joan who was born on 19th July 1923. An internet site (link now broken) carried the following obituary for Joan Arthur nee Heenan.

ARTHUR, Joan F.

Joan passed peacefully with her family at her side in Baycrest Hospital on June 5th 2012, her 89th year.  Born Regina SK July 19 1923 to Alfred Thompson Heenan and Minnie F Heenan (nee Richardson).  Predeceased by husband Gordon, 45 years married. Survived by son Sean (Jacqueline), daughter Jennifer (Pierre Zakarauskas), grandson Summerton and step grandchildren Andrea, Jordan and Violet, and step great granddaughter Katrina. 

An only child, Joan cherished her extended family, Canadian and UK Irish cousins and Arthur nieces and nephews. A 'people person', Joan very much loved travel, good food, better companionship and conversation, and cherished 45 wonderful years of family and community at the cottage on the Lake of Bays. Long time employee of Canada Packers and very active volunteer all her life, Joan was a member of UCW and board member, Humbervale Christian Outreach Foundation. Though a non smoker, lung cancer presented three years ago. Undaunted Joan continued to live life to the fullest, without complaint, in hospital for only her last week. But most of all we will remember Joan as a loving and kind person; greatly missed and forever loved.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday June 13, 1 pm at Humbervale United Church, 1447 Royal York Road, ON, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers the Family requests donations to the Salvation Army or the charity of your choice. In the spirit of giving Joan donated her body to science and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Please sign your organ donor card in her memory.

Sweeney, Joseph Alphonsus

Trooper Joseph Alphonsus Sweeney or McSweeney

was born at Dungloe, Co. Donegal on 12th February 1900 to Joseph Sweeney (of Arkansas, USA), Railway Contractor and Catherine nee Boyle. The bank Staff Record card states his date of birth as 17th February 1900. His parents had married on 14th July 1897 at St Eugene's Chapel, Londonderry.

His birth registration and his parents marriage registration record the family surname as Sweeney.

In 1901 Joseph (1) lived in house 87, Dungloe with his mother, Kate Sweeney and his sister Kathleen (3). In the house too were Catherine Boyle (his grandmother), Mary Boyle (his aunt) and a servant Ellen McCauley. 

By 1911, Joseph is boarding in Mt Sackville Convent Boarding School in Castleknock, North Dublin (detailed in the Irish Census as house 40.1, Castleknock, Dublin). 

Following his education, Joseph joined Northern Bank in early 1917. His Staff Record card states his surname as McSweeney and also initially said 2nd April 1917 but was crossed out and amended to 12th June 1917. The card also said his first name was John but was crossed out and Joseph written above it.

His first branch is recorded as Mohill.

 

Northern Bank, Mohill branch

Joseph volunteered and enlisted into the North Irish Horse on 29th September 1917 and left the bank on 3rd October 1917. He was about 17 1/2 years of age.

He saw service in the Home Service prior to being discharged for being under age. 

On 13th December 1917 he re-joined Northern Bank at Strokestown (Junior). Transfers followed to Head Office (1920 - Junior), Grafton Street (1921 - Junior and the Exchange), Kingscourt (1927 - Cashier), Head Office (1928), Ball’s Branch (1929 - Accountant), Head Office (1930), Falls (1930 - Accountant) and Oldcastle (1931 -  Cashier).

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin

Northern Bank, Falls branch

On 12 September 1939 he married May Glover at the Church of St Therese, Somerton Road, Belfast.

The Drogheda Argus and Leinster Journal published on Saturday 4th March 1950 reports that Joseph was to be transferred to Kells branch as manager. He was a member and treasurer of Kells Golf Club.

Joseph Sweeney retired on 31st March 1962.

McCaghey, Harold Abraham

Flight Lieutenant Harold Abraham McCaghey (RCAF)

Harold McCaghey was a Northern Bank official (accountant) between the years of 1921 to 1930 and although he is not recorded on the Northern Bank War Memorial / Roll of Honour, he qualifies as a former official who served in WW2 with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Part 15 Civil Employment record on H A McCaghey's
RCAF Officer's Application & Record Sheet

Sadly, Harold was to die by his own hand on 8th or 9th June 1942 at the Royal Alexander Hotel, Winnipeg, Canada. He was found dead in his room at 08:15 hrs on 9th June 1942. His Will was signed and dated 3rd January 1941 leaving all his estate to his wife Elva.

F/L H A McCaghey - CWGC Headstone

His wartime RCAF file consisting of 36 documents and photographs were kindly provided by Nigel Henderson, Researcher, History Hub Ulster who came across the Northern Bank connection on looking at the 8th page of the documentation.

The following biography of Harold McCaghey was written by Barry Niblock for his website 'The War Dead of North Down and Ards'.

The death of Flight Lieutenant Harold Abraham McCaghey (No. C/2076) was reported in the 20 June 1942 edition of the County Down Spectator under the headline Bangor Flying Officer’s Death.

Harold Abraham McCaghey was born on 10th June 1903 in Newry Road, Banbridge and he was the youngest son of William John McCaghey ISO MBE and Jean (Jeanie) McCaghey (nee Hunter) who, at the time of his death, were living at 5 Knockmore Park, Bangor. Before that, the McCaghey family lived at 7 Glenburn Park, Belfast and before that at 4 Mountainview Terrace, Banbridge. William John McCaghey and Jeannie Hunter were married on 5th August 1896 in Magherally Presbyterian Church, Banbridge.

William John McCaghey worked as a bookkeeper in a linen factory, later becoming an inspector of factories and then Chief Inspector of Factories for Northern Ireland. He and Jeannie had at least four children:

· Darwin Edward (born 30 May 1897 in Banbridge)
· James Hunter (born 4 January 1900 in Banbridge)
· Harold Abraham (born 10 June 1903 in Newry Road, Banbridge)
· Annie Margaret (born 8 November 1906 at Laurel Lodge, Glenburn Park, Belfast)

Harold was educated at Keighley Grammar School in Yorkshire and Methodist College, Belfast. On leaving school he worked for the Northern Bank in Dublin and Belfast. 

He had a fine baritone voice and won several singing competitions throughout Ireland. When living in Bangor he sang in the choir of First Bangor Presbyterian Church.

Belfast News-Letter, 3rd January 1929.
Mr Harold McCaghey, Baritone, Belfast Feis

Around 1932 Harold moved to Canada where he worked in Toronto and, some six years later, he married Elva May Shaver of Ancaster, Hamilton, Ontario. They had one daughter.

At the outbreak of hostilities Harold joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and he was stationed in Winnipeg, Ontario when he died on 9 June 1942. Elva May Shaver, who was born in 1904, died in 1993.

Flight Lieutenant Harold Abraham McCaghey (No. C/2076) was 38 when he died, and he was buried in the Shaver family plot in Ancaster (Bethesda United Church) Cemetery, Ontario, Canada. There is an inscription on his CWGC headstone:

BORN 10TH JUNE 1903

IN BANBRIDGE

NORTHERN IRELAND

Flight Lieutenant Harold Abraham McCaghey (No. C/2076) is commemorated on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial (Internet) and on Page 95 in the Canadian Second World War Book of Remembrance.

Gilmore, William P E

William Eccles Gilmore or Gilmour

was born at 21 The Diamond, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry on 9th January 1889 to William Gilmour, Watch Maker and Margaret Johnston Gilmour nee Wallace. They had married on 16th June 1880 at the residence (in Coleraine) of Reverend Robert Wallace of the Presbyterian Church.

William Gilmour Senior died aged 43 on 6th September 1896 at Coleraine.

In 1901 William (12) was living in house 20 The Diamond, Coleraine with his mother and 3 siblings; John (19), Robert (15) and Susan (7). A servant, Margaret Taggart is also present in the property. 

The Coleraine Chronicle of 10th January 1903 reports that William did a solo performance at the New Row 'Band of Hope' concert.

The Coleraine Chronicle of 23rd February 1907 reports that William has passed with distinction his entrance examination for Northern Bank:

William joined Northern Bank later that year and is recorded as working in Bray branch. The 1924 Northern Banking Company Centenary Volume records his surname and initials as W P E Gilmour whilst the Roll of Honour records as Gilmore W E.

In 1911, a William Gilmore (22) is boarding with his brother, Robert (25) in house 54, Grove Park, Rathmines & Rathgar West, Dublin. Both are described as Bank Clerks and are from Co. Derry.

No photograph or further information on his military and banking career is available.

Galway, Albert Brice

Albert Brice Galway

was born at Kilkeel on 5th October 1898 to Brice Galway (watchmaker) and Annie Elizabeth Galway nee Reid. They had married on 29th December 1897 at Eglish Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 Albert lived in house 2, Broad Street, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry with his parents and a servant, Jane Mawhinney (17).

Annie Elizabeth Galway died aged 37 on 31st March 1908. She was recorded as 'wife of a watchmaker'.

Mid-Ulster Mail, 27th November 1909

By 1911 the property was known as house 7. Albert lived with his father and a servant, Mary Mawhinney (18).

On 3rd April 1917 Albert joined Northern Bank at Carrick-on-Shannon branch. 

Northern Bank, Carrick-on-Shannon branch

On 5th May 1917 Galway volunteered and enlisted into the North Irish Horse as a Private with Service Number 71846. 

His Army Service Record is available and consists of 23 scanned pages. Albert records his occupation as a Bank Clerk. The first page is displayed below:

Army Service Record - A B Galway (1st page)

Later on, Albert transferred to the Army Cyclist Corps with Service Number 23921.

This section is taken from the website 'North Irish Horse in the Great War' 

"Galway enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Boyle on 16 May 1917, joining the regiment at Antrim nine days later (No.2461 – later Corps of Hussars No.71846). While in training at the regiment's Antrim base depot he qualified as a 1st Class Shot.

On 5 November 1918 Galway embarked for France with a reinforcement draft for the North Irish Horse Cyclist Regiment. They joined the regiment in the field on 22 November, eleven days after the Armistice had brought an end to the fighting.

On 7 June 1919 Galway was one of twenty-two men of the North Irish Horse Cyclist Regiment who volunteered to transfer to the Army Cyclist Corps (No.23921). They were posted to the IV Corps Cyclist Battalion at Rolsdorf, part of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine."

Albert was demobilised on 31st March 1919 to the Class Z Army Reserve. It is presumed that Albert returned to Northern Bank.

Following his demobilisation, Albert was awarded the British War Medal and the British Victory Medal. He received and acknowledged receipt of the first medal on 8th May 1922.

Medal Index Card - A B Galway

Medal Roll - A B Galway

The 'North Irish Horse in the Great War' website carries a full biography of Albert Galway.

This website records Albert as dying in 1962. It has not been verified.

Forde, James Elliott

Lieutenant Theophilus James Elliott Forde CBE DL

was born on 19th May 1890 in Hilltown, Co. Down the son of Rev. Robert Forde and Elizabeth Jane Forde nee Elliott. They had married on 3rd June 1885 at Clonduff Church of Ireland, Newry.

In 1901 Elliott (10 - as per census form) lived in house 91, Dundrum, Co. Down with his parents and 2 siblings; Muriel (12) and Robert (7). In the house there was also Clarice Hayden (governess), Agnes Stevenson (servant), Patrick O'Hare (servant), and Charlotte Teggart (visitor).

The Lennonwylie website records Elliott as being educated at Campbell College:

852. Forde, James Theophilus Elliott, b. 19th May, 1890, son of Rev. Robert Forde, Dundrum Rectory, Co. Down.  Brother of 970. IV, July, 1906.  Great War: Lieut., N.I.H. and Machine Gun Corps. Chairman, Northern Bank Ltd.  Address: 34 Wellington Park, Belfast. (M.q.)

An advertisement in the Belfast News Letter of 8th August 1908 advised that Elliott Forde had won a clerkship to Northern Bank:

Belfast News Letter, 8th August 1908

On obtaining this clerkship, Elliott joined Northern Bank on 24th March 1909 in Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Virginia (1909 - Junior), Head Office (1909 - Junior) and Grafton Street (1909 - Junior).  

Northern Bank, Virginia branch

Former Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin

In 1911, Elliott is boarding in house 8, Woodville, Sandford, Rathmines & Rathgar East, Dublin. He is described as a Bank Clerk. 

On 24th December 1915, aged 25, Elliott volunteered and enlisted into the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps (OTC) as a Private. He was gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant with the Res Regiment of Hussars, transferred as a 2nd Lieutenant into the North Irish Horse, served with the British Expeditionary Force and seconded into the Machine-Gun Corps before re-transferring into the North Irish Horse. 

Medal Index Card - Lt T J E Forde

His address on the Medal Index Card is recorded as c/o Northern Banking Company, Coleraine, N. Ireland. 

On 21st May 1917 the Belfast News Letter reported that Mr. T. J. E. Forde, elder son of the Rev. R. Forde, Dundrum has being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the reserve regiment of Hussars. 

He was later promoted to Lieutenant.

Action was seen in the Allied Retreat 1918, the Allied Advance 1918 before being demobilised in March 1919. Forde was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. 

Medal Roll - Lt T J E Forde

On 23rd January 1919 the Belfast News Letter reported that T J E Forde ceases to be employed with the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) from 18th December 1918 (North Irish Horse, Special Reserve).

Following demobilisation, Elliott re-joined the Northern Bank at Ball’s Branch, Dublin. Further transfers followed to Grafton Street (1919 - Donnybrook sub-office ), Coleraine (1921 - Sub-Manager), Grafton Street (1925 - Sub-Manager, Joint Manager) and Donegall Square (1928 - Manager). 

Former Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

Northern Bank, Donegall Square

In 1930 J Elliot Forde was a member of the Select Vestry of St. Thomas's Church.

The Rev. Robert Forde (aged 78) died at his son's residence, 34 Wellington Park, Belfast on 11th July 1935.

Elliott was appointed as a Director of Northern Bank on 1st February 1943 to replace Mr A P Tibbey after 54 years of service to the bank. 

J E Forde was Chairman of the Save the Children Fund.

Belfast News Letter, 5th October 1955

He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Years Honours list of 1956. His wife, Elizabeth Forde died on 6th February 1959. In 1961 J Elliott Forde was made a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) of Belfast. Elliott was later to be appointed Chairman. 

He retired on 17th January 1964. His death was reported in the Belfast Telegraph on 13th January 1977.