Watkinson, Henry Siddle

Henry Siddle Watkinson

was born at 93 Madrid Street, Ballymacarrett, Belfast on 22nd September 1898 to Richard Watkinson, Clerk and Elizabeth Watkinson nee Siddle. His bank Staff Record has 22nd April 1898 recorded on it. His parents are presumed to have married in England.

In 1901, Henry (2) was living in house 93, Madrid Street, Pottinger Ward, Belfast with his parents and 3 siblings; Elsie (5), Mary (7) & Robert (8). 

By 1911, the family have moved to house 58, The Mount, Ormeau Ward, Belfast. An additional younger son, William (5) is now also present.

 
On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Elsie and Robert (sister and brother of Henry) signed the Women’s Declaration and the Ulster Covenant at St Clements Parish Church and the City Hall, Belfast respectively.

 
Following his education at RBAI (Inst), on 7th July 1915, Henry joined Northern Bank in the Foreign Department at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

In 1915, whilst based in Head Office, Henry volunteered and enlisted into the Army Service Corps (Motor Transport) (ASC) with Service Number DM2/075042. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 21st July 1915.

H S Watkinson - Medal Index Card

Henry was demobilised in January 1919 and was awarded the 1915 Star, the British War medal and the Victory Medal.

He re-joined Northern Bank on 10th February 1919. Transfers followed to Grafton Street (1926 - Relief), Head Office (1926), Royal Avenue (1929 - Cashier), Armagh (1936), Downpatrick (1940 - Pro Manager), Fivemiletown (1947 - Manager) and Dromore (1950 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin (tall building with 3 chimneys)

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue, Belfast branch

Northern Bank, Armagh branch

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

Northern Bank, Fivemiletown branch

Cheque drawn on Northern Bank, Dromore branch

In September 1929, Henry married a former official, Miss I Neill.

Henry Watkinson retired on 31st January 1961 and died in 1973. 

Mrs I Watkinson, the widow of H S Watkinson attended the 2000 re-dedication ceremony of the Rolls of Honour.

 
The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (August 1980)’ contains a photograph of Watkinson in Royal Avenue branch in 1930.

Stewart, James Maxwell

James Maxwell Stewart

was born at Killead, Antrim on 2nd January 1899 to William Stewart, Veterinary Surgeon and Jeannie S Stewart nee Caulfield. They had married on 31st August 1894 at Randalstown Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 Maxwell (2, first name as per Irish Census) was living in house 47 Fountain Street, Antrim with his parents and 2 siblings; John (1) and William (5). A servant, Annie Fee was also living in the house.

By 1911 the family, now joined by Sidney (8) and Thomas (6) were still living in the same property. A servant, Ellen McKee is living with them. The document records his name as Jas Maxwell Stewart.

James joined Northern Bank in 1915 at Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

A transfer to Cushendall (1916) followed.

Northern Bank, Cushendall branch (1922 burning)

In 1917, Stewart volunteered and enlisted for service.

His bank Staff Record card is annotated 'gone abroad 1st October 1919'.