Relocation of Northern Bank War Memorial - 1977

Relocation of Northern Bank War Memorial - 1977

Following the sale of the Northern Bank former Head Office at 16 Victoria Street, Belfast, it was necessary to remove and re-locate the Northern Bank War Memorial. This Memorial which bears the names of Officials who served in the 1914-1918 and the 1939-1945 wars has been placed beside the Belfast Bank War Memorial in Waring Street branch, Belfast.

The Dean of Belfast, The Very Rev. S B Crooks, M.A., T.D., kindly offered to officiate at a Dedication Service which was held in the Branch on 7th December 1977.

The service, which was attended by ex-servicemen and their guests, was followed by dinner in the Ulster Reform Club. As it has been decided to discontinue the annual dinner the evening was naturally filled with nostalgia.

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link’ (Spring 1978) contains photographs of veterans and guests of the Ex-Servicemen's Association. A few names are known. Please help by commenting.

Rededication Service in Waring Street branch

A, Brian White & David (?) Christie

D, E, F & G

H, Barry Lowry & Micky Thompson

Barry Lowry, Wesley Duncan, Stanley Dawson & N

O, P, Q & R

R & P

Wilson Ervin & V

Fisher, Luke Patrick Knight

Lieutenant Luke Patrick Knight Fisher

was born on 5th June 1875 to Robert Logan Fisher, Gentleman and Mary Cleary Fisher nee Knight. His birth was registered in the Cootehill district. Robert was born on 8th August 1843 and had married on 2nd October 1872 at Currin Church of Ireland, Clones.

On 15th May 1893 Luke joined the Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Balbriggan (1893 - Junior), Ball’s (1895 - Junior), Head Office (1898), Comber (1898 - Cashier), Head Office (1900) and Dungiven (1900 - Cashier).

Northern Bank, Balbriggan branch

Cheque drawn on Ball & Co, Henry Street, Dublin

Northern Bank, Comber branch

Northern Bank, Dungiven branch

In 1901 Luke was boarding with the Poston family in house 34, Dungiven, Co. Londonderry. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Cashier.

On 13th May 1903 Luke married Miss Margaret Young Osborne at Limavady Church of Ireland. His father, Robert Logan Fisher's occupation is recorded as an Officer in the 8th Foot. The 8th Foot and the King's, was an infantry regiment of the British Army, formed in 1685 and retitled the King's (Liverpool Regiment) on 1st July 1881.

R L Fisher, 8th Regt of Foot

Further transfers followed to Falls (1904 - Cashier), Head Office (1911), Cushendall (1912- Cashier) and Head Office (1915).

Northern Bank, Falls branch

Northern Bank, Cushendall branch (1922 burning)

On 25th July 1908 Luke sailed on the SS Lusitania from Liverpool to the US. The ships manifest is below:

SS Lusitania - 25th July 1908 - L P K Fisher

He returned to the UK on a sailing on 18th August 1909 from Boston, US on the Cunard ship, RMS Saxonia. Ref: Ancestry.com.

By 1911 Luke is living in house 4, Waverley Drive, Bangor, Co. Down with his wife, Margaret and their 2 daughters; Annie Isabel Osborne (2) and Sarah Noreen Osborne (1). He describes himself as a Bank Cashier.

Luke applied for and was granted permission by the Bank to travel to Australia. He was away from 1st May 1911 and returned to work on 8th September 1911. No reason has been identified.

Luke signed the Ulster Covenant on ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, at Glenville, Cushendall.

 
On 7th November 1915, Luke volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Engineers. He was later promoted to Lieutenant and may also have served in the Kings Liverpool Regiment. Luke relinquished his commission on 1st June 1919 on account of ill-health caused by wounds.

L P K Fisher - Medal Index Card

L P K Fisher - Medal Roll 1

L P K Fisher - Medal Roll 2

Due to his wounds, Luke applied for a pension. A Pension Record card exists for him. It mentions his widow, Mrs Margaret Fisher.

L P K Fisher - Pension Record Card

Following demobilisation, Luke retired from the Bank on 31st August 1919 having served 26 years. His Staff Record card has an annotation reading 'Bought a fruit farm. Not to take up office work'. There are no further details of this venture.

He was a member of the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club.

The 'Belfast Telegraph' published on 21st July 1923 carried a photograph headed 'Group of Officers of the Composite Battalion County Brigade, Ulster C1 Special Constabulary' taken at Clandeboye Camp during their annual training.

Lieutenant L P K Fisher, Ulster Special Constabulary

The 'Western Mail' published on 26th August 1925 reported on the engagement of their daughter, Miss Mollie Fisher to Rev W R M Vonberg. The Fisher family address is also recorded.

Mr & Mrs L P K Fisher of Monk's Walk Cottage, Much Marcle, Herefordshire

The 'Belfast News-Letter' published on 5th August 1935 had a family notice advising of the sudden death of L P K Fisher of Layde House, Cushendall on 4th August (1935).

Mrs Fisher was still living in Cushendall when the engagement was announced on 1st October 1937 of their son, Patrick Robert Cosby Fisher to Rosemary Ellen Gertrude Banon (or Bannon) of Broughall Castle, King’s Co., and Dorincourt, Dormans Park, East Grinstead, England.

Patrick Fisher had been born on 28th February 1914 in Cushendall. Sadly, whilst serving in World War 2, Major P R C Fisher died on active service on 1st December 1942.

Major P R C Fisher, Officer Commanding,
9 Battery, 13 Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery

His mother, Margaret Fisher was now living at Ballyoran, Portadown when the announcement of the death was made.

Major P R C Fisher, RA - Ballymena Weekly Telegraph, 1st January 1943

Small, Thomas Milliken

Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant (RQMS) Thomas Milliken Small

was born in Keady on 24th March 1889 to Samuel Sturgeon Small, Draper and Katherine Emily Small nee Milliken. They had married on 24th August 1887 at Dundela Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

In 1901 Thomas lived in house 65, Main Street, Keady, Co. Armagh with his mother and 2 sisters; Louisa (17) and Johnena (7). A governess, Marguerite Hardy and a servant, Eliza Campbell were also in the property.

Thomas' father, Samuel was boarding in house 2.1 in Ardrea (Kilmore, Armagh). This may have been a small hospital as there were 20 other residents in the property on this day ranging from a matron, gentleman's attendant, attendants, ladies nurse, nurses, kitchen and domestic servants.

On 10th April 1907 Thomas joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Downpatrick (1907 - Junior), Head Office (1907), Ballymena (1907 - Junior), Grafton Street (1908 - Junior), Head Office (1909), Grafton Street (1909) and Head Office (1910). 

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

Northern Bank, Ballymena branch

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

Thomas' father, Samuel Small died in Glen House, Keady on 20th October 1908.

In 1911, Thomas was living in house 6, Groomsport Road, Bangor, Co. Down with his mother and sister, Johnena. A servant, Catherine McParland is also in the house. Thomas' occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk.

Katherine Small, Thomas' mother died in 57 Ballyholme Road, Bangor on 1st February 1914.

The Bank Staff Record card records Thomas as volunteering and enlisting into the Ulster Volunteer Force on 11th September 1914.

Thomas had volunteered at Bangor and enlisted into the 13th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles as a Private with Service Number 18782. His Army Service Record attestation form and medical record is displayed below.

T M Small - Army Attestation Form - page 1

T M Small - Army Medical Record

He was later posted to the 16th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Promotion to Company Quarter Master Sergeant and Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant followed. 

Service was seen in the Somme 1917 (Thiepval), Messines 1917, Ypres 1917 and Courtrai 1918. 

Thomas Milliken was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal for service in the Great War.

T M Small - Medal Index Card

T M Small - Medal Roll

Following demobilisation in May 1919, he re-joined the Northern Bank on 10th June 1919 at Head Office. 

Thomas Small married Miss Margaret Magee of Knock on 6th July 1921 (Marriage Registration) at Knock Church of Ireland. The Bank Staff Record card records the marriage as taking place in June 1921.

He attended a dedication service at First Bangor Presbyterian Church as reported in the 'North Down Herald and County Down Independent' published on Saturday, 2nd April 1921.

'North Down Herald and County Down Independent' 

published on Saturday, 2nd April 1921

In 1926 he was appointed as Head of Correspondence Department.

A transfer to Dungannon as Manager followed in 1935.

 
He retired on pension on 30th June 1941 and later moved to Bangor where he enjoyed playing cricket, tennis and golf with his name being mentioned in many newspaper club reports.

 
Thomas Small of 24 Clifton Road, Bangor died at Ards Hospital on 31st August 1955 aged 66.

Patterson, Frederick William

Cadet Frederick William Patterson

was born at 25 Cyprus Gardens, Belfast on 27th May 1899 the son of Philip Mathew Patterson, Traveller and Sarah Patterson nee Donovan. They had married on 3rd August 1898 at Calry Church of Ireland, Sligo.

In 1901, Frederick (1) is living in house 103, Lisburn Road, Windsor Ward, Belfast with his parents and his elder brother, Philip Henry (9). 

By 1911, the family had moved to house 99, Marlborough Park, Windsor Ward, Belfast. The household consisted of Frederick, his parents, his maternal grandmother, Mary Ann Donovan and 4 siblings; Philip Henry (19), Thomas Edward (9), Mildred Kathleen (5) and Maurice (3). 

 
On 22nd May 1916 Frederick joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Downpatrick (1916 - Junior), Hillsborough (1917 - Junior), Banbridge (1917 - Accountant) and Head Office (1918).

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

Northern Bank, Banbridge branch

On 31st May 1918 Frederick volunteered and enlisted for service in the newly formed Royal Air Force (RAF). It was formed towards the end of the Great War on 1st April 1918, becoming the first independent air force in the world, by regrouping the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).

His Service Number as a Private was 179241. Frederick was graded a few months later to Cadet. He was demobilised and transferred to the RAF Reserve effective from 21st March 1919.

Cadet Frederick William Patterson - RAF Service Record

On 18th March 1919, Frederick re-joined Northern Bank at Head Office. A transfer to Shaftesbury Square (1920 - Accountant) followed.

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast

Frederick Patterson left Northern Bank in 1923 and may have joined the Canadian Bank of Commerce the following year. (Ref: Bank Staff Record card).

He emigrated to Canada to live permanently leaving the UK on the ship S S Marloch (a vessel built in 1904 by the Workman, Clark shipyard in Belfast) sailing on 6th October 1923.

F W Patterson - Immigration Document 

On 28th August 1925 Frederick Patterson married Mary Anne Irvine in Toronto, Canada.

F W Patterson & M A Irvine - Marriage Registration

A travel document exists for Frederick Patterson from 5th December 1943 from Canada into the US.

F W Patterson - Travel Document

Orr, Samuel

Cadet Samuel Orr

Orr was born at Pacific Avenue, Antrim Road, Belfast on 6th June 1894 to Samuel Orr, Book-keeper and Lucinda Orr nee Temple. They had married on 24th January1888 at Malone Presbyterian Church.

In 1901, Orr (6) was living in house 33, Sunnyside Street, Ormeau Ward, Belfast with his parents and 3 siblings; Mary Priscilla (15), Maud (12) and Herbert Temple (1).

Orr  joined Northern Bank at Head Office on 5th May 1910.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

By 1911, the family had moved to house 5, Farnham Park, Bangor, Co. Down. Orr (16) is recorded as a Bank Clerk and is living with his parents and siblings, Maud and Herbert.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Samuel Orr signed the Ulster Covenant at the Guild Hall, Bangor.

 
Transfers followed with Armagh (1912), Head Office (1914), Irvinestown (1914), Kilrea (1914) and Clones (1915 - Accountant).

Northern Bank, Armagh branch

Northern Bank, Kilrea branch

Northern Bank, Clones branch

Orr (21) volunteered and enlisted into the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) on 15th June 1915 as a Private with Service Number 08709. 

In 1918 the Army Ordnance Corps received the 'Royal' prefix and become the RAOC.

Samuel Orr - Medal Index Card

He was attached to HQ 34th Division. Later, his attachment was changed to the Argyll and Southern Highlanders as a Cadet. Service was seen in the Somme 1916, Arras 1917, St. Quentin 1918 and the Allied Advance 1918. 

Orr was demobilised in July 1919 and was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

Orr re-joined the Northern Bank on 5th August 1919 at Head Office. Transfers followed to Saintfield (1919 - Cashier), Ballymoney (1922 - Cashier), Head Office (1923), Relief (1926), Letter Dept. (1927), Ballynahinch (1930 - Pro Manager), Donegall Square (1943 - pro Manager) and Armoy (1943 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Saintfield branch (probable new build)

Northern Bank, Ballymoney (to right of larger Belfast Bank)

Northern Bank, Ballynahinch branch (tall building on left)

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch (tall building in centre)

Northern Bank, Armoy branch

Orr married Mary King at Raffrey Presbyterian Church on 13th October 1921.

Sadly, Mary Orr died aged 30 on 12th May 1924 at 35 Greenville Street, Bloomfield, Belfast.

Orr married again in January 1927 to a Miss Elizabeth Bradley.

The Ballymena Weekly Telegraph published on 27th July 1945 a report that Mr & Mrs Samuel Orr, Northern Bank House, Armoy attended an investiture at Buckingham Place to receive from HM the King, the posthumous award of the George Medal to their son, Sub-Lieutenant Ronald Orr, RN (see below) who was killed near Dieppe (Le Treport) on 8th November 1944.

George Medal to Sub-Lieutenant Ronald Orr RN

The Belfast News Letter of 24th January 1946 reported the wedding of Miss Molly Orr, daughter of Mr & Mrs S Orr, Northern Bank House, Armoy.

Marriage of Miss Molly Orr

Marriage of Miss Molly Orr (Northern Whig)

Lucinda Orr, Samuel's mother died on 12th October 1950. The press notice quoted Samuel Orr as being the manager of Northern Bank, Holywood.

Northern Bank, Holywood branch (with gable windows)

Samuel Orr retired on pension on 31st October 1955.

Sub-Lieutenant Ronald Mervyn Orr, RNVR

Ronald Orr was educated at Belfast High School and Queen's University, Belfast.

Ronald Orr (22) 'Died of Wounds' on 8th November 1944 whilst serving in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on the shore base HMS Odyssey. Personnel held on its accounts would have been involved in the clearing of recently captured enemy ports among other Combined Operations Duties.

 

Photo courtesy of j. n. houterman via Nigel Henderson

The Royal Navy Death Register records Cause of Death as "Syncope following laceration of left ventricle" and refers to Le Treport as the place of death.

He is buried in the 46 DIEPPE CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY, HAUTOT-SUR-MER, France.

On 13th March 1945, the London Gazette published his award details:

Awarded for Bomb/Mine Disposal - https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36979/supplement/1381

The Ballymena Weekly Telegraph reported:

Ballymena Weekly Telegraph - 27th July 1945

Sub-Lieutenant R M Orr, GM, RNVR - CWGC Headstone details

Ronald Mervyn Orr is commemorated on a family memorial in Dundonald Cemetery, the only burial in the plot being Mary Orr, who died at 35 Greenville Street on 12th May 1924. This would be Samuel Orr's first wife - Samuel Orr (Bank Official) married Mary King on 13th October 1921 at Raffrey Presbyterian Church.

Headstone of Mary (Molly) Young nee Orr that also commemorates R M Orr

He is also commemorated on the following memorials:

• Ballynahinch War Memorial, 
• Queen's University War Memorial, 
• QUB Officers' Training Corps Memorial Tablet 
• Edengrove Presbyterian Church (Ballynahinch) Memorial Tablet
• Ballymoney Royal British Legion War Memorial

In addition to the memorial tablets in Armoy Presbyterian Church, there is a set of Offering Plates that commemorate Sub-Lieutenant Ronald Mervyn Orr, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

Acknowledgements to Nigel Henderson for information on R M Orr.