Duncan, Charles Wesley

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Wesley Duncan MBE, UD (known as Wesley)

Wesley Duncan was from the Annalong area of south Down.

He was an Investment Manager in the Northern Bank Executor and Trustee Company Limited based in 10 High Street, Belfast in the early 1970s. Promotion to Manager, Investment Management Services came later.

In the early 1970s, Duncan volunteered and enlisted into the locally recruited Ulster Defence Regiment UDR) as a private with service number 24273109. 

The UDR had been formed on 1st January 1970 and became fully operational on 1st April 1970.

The London Gazette reports further on Duncan's military career:

• 09/10/1973 - 24273109 Pte C W Duncan - 'to be 2nd Lieutenant (on probation) wef 26/03/1973 with service number (officer) 496697.
  
  
• 18/06/1974 - 2nd Lieutenant C W Duncan - (on probation) - confirmed as 2nd Lt wef 26/04/1973.
  
  
• 02/09/1975 - 2nd Lt C W Duncan - to be Lt wef 26th Marc h 1975 (9th Bn UDR).
  
  
• 18/01/1977 - Lt C W Duncan - to be Capt wef 01/12/1976.
  
  
• 01/05/1979 - Capt C W Duncan - is granted the rank of Acting Major wef 01/02/1979. 
  
  
• 29/01/1980 - Capt (A/Maj) C W Duncan UD - to be Maj wef 10/09/1979 with seniority wef 01/02/1979. 
  
  
• 14/04/1987 - Maj C W Duncan UD - from Active List to be Major wef 10/04/1987.
  
  
• 13/10/1987 - Major C W Duncan UD - 'mentioned in despatches' in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland.
  
  
• 05/04/1988 - Major C W Duncan UD - (from Reserve of Officers) to be Maj 08/02/1988 with seniority wef 01/12/1979.
  
  
• 02/08/1994 - Major C W Duncan UD - (Royal Irish) to be Lt Col wef 01/04/1994.
  
  
• 17/02/2004 - Lt Col C W Duncan - retires 09/12/2000 (Royal Irish Regiment, Home Service, Part-time).
  
  
• 31/12/2020 - C W Duncan - 'Member of the Order of the British Empire' for voluntary service to Military Veterans.

Duncan attended the Northern Bank Ex-Servicemen's annual dinner of 1974:

Unknown, Wesley Duncan, Ronnie Huffington & Wilson Ervin

Duncan was awarded the General Service Medal (GSM) with Northern Ireland clasp, Accumulated Campaign Service Medal (ACSM), Ulster Defence Regiment Medal (UD) and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). 

Duncan was a director of the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum between 2009 and 2020. 

He was a trustee of the UDR Benevolent Fund and was Chairman of the UDR Memorial Trust that erected the UDR statue in Markey Square, Lisburn. At the ceremony on 12th June 2011, he said:

"It was unfortunate that there were members who did bad things and we're not trying to hide that. But what we would say is that there's almost 50,000 people who didn't do bad things – who did good things, who were ordinary decent people who wanted to do the best they could for their country".

UDR Memorial - Market Square, Lisburn

This picture of the a 'UDR Church Window' adorns his Facebook page.

UDR Church Window

Wesley Duncan, retired Investment Manager, NB Executor & Trustee Company and former trustee of the NB (DB) Pension Scheme died on 5th January 2021 with his service being held at Kilhorne Parish Church, Annalong on 10th January 2021.

He is survived by his widow, Gwendoline and sons John & James and families.

Neely, Noel Montgomery

Lieutenant (RN) Noel Montgomery Neely

Neely was born at Sion Mills on 27th December 1910 to James Neely, Preparing Master and Margaret Neely nee Irwin. They had married on 9th April 1903.

In 1911 the family were living house 2, Sion Terrace, Attaclady, Co. Tyrone. In the Census return, his father describes Noel’s education as ‘cannot read’.

Neely prepared for the BBCo entrance examination at Skerry's College, 143 Royal Avenue, Belfast.

Northern Whig - Saturday 16 April 1927

[Clipping courtesy of Nigel Henderson]

On 1st April 1927 Neely joined the Belfast Banking Company. His Bankers Guarantee was signed by Thomas McDonald of 'Iona', Castle Road, Dundalk and later by Alexander M Clark of 'Woodhouse', Ravenhill Road, Belfast (Tailor).

Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

The Belfast Telegraph of 11th May 1927 reports that N M Neely entered the bank at Coleraine branch.

Belfast Bank, Coleraine branch

Neely would later play cricket for the bank and is reported in newspaper match reports.

The Belfast Telegraph of 18th May 1929 reports N M Neely as transferring from Castle Place to Head Office.

Belfast Bank, Castle Place branch

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

As well as playing cricket and rugby, Neely was an actor as reported by the Belfast News-Letter of 11th January 1936:

On 1st July 1936 Noel Montgomery Neely married Joan Lorimer from Helen’s Bay in Holywood Parish Church of Ireland Church (St. Philip and St. James). They had 2 children: Peter James (born 16th November 1939 and Patrick Lawrie (born 19th April 1941). Information from Barry Niblock's website.

Neely volunteered and enlisted into the RNVR (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve) probably around 1939/1940. 

The Forces War Record website records his career:

1941 - Temporary Lieutenant - HMS Waterfly

1942 - Lieutenant - HMS Waterfly

1944 - Lieutenant - HMS Circe

 

Noel Simpson, author of ‘The Belfast Bank 1827-1970’ records some detail of a letter from Noel Neely to the bank’s secretary, James Carlisle, describing his first few days of naval life:

"I have been rated seaman, which is one step up from the bottom, and am paid fortnightly at the rate of 21/- a week, starting from next month.  I believe service pay is to be raised by sixpence a day, but when that and any further betterment of my financial lot materialises I shall let the Bank know.

I may cut a very nautical figure in my bell-bottoms, but I find the whole garb too tight for comfort.  Added to that, there is a most miserly allowance of pockets – two only, and so placed that one looks like a lop-sided Mae West and a sufferer from acute hernia.  However, if this hot weather lasts I shall shrink so much that my clothes will fit perfectly!

At the moment I am awaiting draft, and drafting is, apparently, such a haphazard business that I may be sent off any day now.  I have been billeted with a most worthy soul, a local light in the Labour Party.  She is quite a good cook and, as she obviously regards me as a dyed-in-the-wool Tory, I can’t quite get rid of the uncomfortable feeling that I am being fattened as a capitalistic sacrifice.  If only the house possessed a bath I should be happy.  Squabbling about a kitchen sink with four other sailors is a bit trying.”

Having been promoted to Lieutenant (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve), he was serving on board HMS Circe, when he was killed on 23rd April 1944. 

HMS Circe - 1942

Neely is commemorated on Panel 79, Column 2 on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent, England.  

Neely left a widow, Joan and a daughter. They were living at 8 Diamond Gardens, Finaghy when Noel died.. Their son, Peter had died on 1st February 1940 aged 2 1/2 months. Neely is remembered on the headstone in Knockbreda Cemetery.

Knockbreda Cemetery
[Photo courtesy of Nigel Henderson]

Patrick Neely (son) emigrated to the United States in the 1980s and applied for 'naturalization' in 1983. 

US documents for Patrick Neely

Joan Neely died on 10th July 1994 and is buried with her son in Knockbreda Cemetery.

Note: HMS Circe was an ‘Algerine Class’ Royal Navy Minesweeper (J214) built by Harland & Wolff Ltd in Belfast. It was ordered on 15th November 1940 and launched on 27th June 1942. Commissioned on 16th October 1942, the ship received Battle Honours in Sicily 1943, Salerno 1943 and Anzio 1944.

 
Following the end of the war, HMS Circe became an RNVR drill ship in 1956 before being scrapped at Dalmuir in December 1966.

Donaghy, Thomas Moffett

Sergeant Thomas Moffett Donaghy MM

Donaghy was born at Main Street, Limavady on 13th February 1912 to James Donaghy, General Draper and Catherine Donaghy nee McCullagh. They had married on 12th February 1903 at Ballyarnett Presbyterian Church.

The Northern Whig of 6th July 1929 reported that Donaghy 'assisted the best man' at his sister Kathleen's wedding in Limavady.

On 2nd June 1930 he joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address at that time was 6 Main Street, Limavady.

Transfers followed to Coleraine (1930 - Junior), Head Office (1930), Knock Sub-Office (1930), Maghera (1931), Oldcastle (1934), Head Office  (1938 - relief) and Grafton Street (1938 - relief).

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

Northern Bank, Maghera branch

Whilst in Maghera, the Belfast Telegraph of 15th May 1933 reported that Donaghy had won a Special Prize for Neatness in the Final examinations of the Institute of Bankers in Ireland.

Northern bank, Oldcastle branch

Northern Bank, Grafton Street branch

 

On 9th January 1940 he joined the North Irish Horse and was ‘Called up’ on 16th January 1940. His rank on joining was Trooper (Driver mechanic). Promotions followed to Sergeant.

The Belfast Telegraph of 8th December 1944 reported that Donaghy had been 'wounded for second time'. 

Donaghy was awarded the Military Medal on 26th April 1945. The citation reads:

“On November 14th 1944, at map ref 418206 Sergeant Donaghy was Troop Leader of three tanks supporting A Company 6 Black Watch. His orders were to support A Company in clearing the houses on each side of the road and seizing the T junction 418206. At the junction several enemy tanks were known to be lying in wait. One anti-tank gun was known to be sited down the road which had not been swept for mines, and it was impossible to get off the road. A platoon of 6 Black Watch had managed to reach a house 200 yards short of the objective but were pinned down from Spandau fire from the enemy tanks. Sergeant Donaghy made a most gallant attempt to get to their assistance. The only way was straight up the road. As soon as he moved he came under high-explosive and armour-piercing fire from enemy tanks but continued up the road. Just before he reached the infantry his tank was hit and knocked out. Sergeant Donaghy was wounded by blast and splash in the face and could not see out of one eye. He refused to be evacuated and after dark sufficiently repaired his tank to enable it to be towed to a defensive position for the night. He accomplished this in spite of intense fixed line Spandau fire down the road. He manned his tank throughout the night and did not go to hospital until ordered to do so next day. Sergeant Donaghy’s grim determination at all costs to carry out his task of supporting the infantry and his success in carrying out this task in face of strong opposition and in spite of his own wounds, showed devotion to duty and personal courage which were quite beyond praise.” 

Military Medal (MM)

The Belfast Telegraph of 20th July 1945 reports that T M Donaghy has been 'mentioned in despatches' for 'gallant and distinguished service in Italy'.

The bank Staff Record sheet records that he sustained an eye injury and lost the sight of one eye during his war service.

On 4th February 1946 Thomas resumed service with the Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Grafton Street (1946 - relief ), Head Office (1946- relief ), Head Office (1947), Lisburn (1948 - Relief), Head Office (1948), Claudy (1948 - Cashier), Larne (1952 - Cashier), Banbridge (1954 - Cashier), Head Office (1955) and Donegall Square (1956 - Cashier).

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

Northern Bank, Claudy branch

Northern Bank, Larne branch

Northern Bank, Banbridge branch

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Donaghy (44) took early retirement on 30th November 1956.

Henderson, James Montgomery

James Montgomery Henderson

Henderson was born at 'Sherbourne', Bawnmore Road, Belfast on 8th August 1912 to James Henderson, Accountant and Eugenie Louise Albertine Henderson nee Cluzeau. They had married on 21st January 1911 at Church of the Second Congregation, All Souls' Church, Belfast.

Henderson was educated at Belfast Royal Academy.

Henderson joined the Belfast Banking Company in April 1931 as reported in the Belfast News-Letter of 16th May 1931.

His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as 33 Indiana Avenue, Belfast. Later signatories were David Henderson and Eugenie Henderson. James is recorded as working in Warrenpoint and Ballymoney branches.

Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Warrenpoint branch

Belfast Bank, Ballymoney branch

It is thought that Henderson may have volunteered for 'Active Service' with the Royal Artillery.

Following his return to the Belfast Bank after the war, Henderson worked in Waring Street, Clearing Department and Chief Cashier's Department (in Victoria Square building).

Belfast Bank, Waring Street

Northern Bank, Victoria Street - Chief Cashier's Department

After 45 years service, Henderson retired as Assistant Chief Cashier in April 1976. 

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Summer 1976)’ contains the (top) photograph of Henderson .

Henderson attended the annual Ex-Servicemen's Association Dinner in 1976. 

Stutt, Robert Alexander (Alec) Crickton

Sergeant Robert Alexander (Alec) Crichton Stutt

Stutt was born at Church Street, Omagh on 15th December 1919 to the Rev John William Stutt and Elizabeth Alice Stutt nee Holland. They had married on 4th July 1917 at the Methodist Church, Armagh.

The Northern Whig of 29th April 1938 reported in an advertisement for 'John W Renshaw LLD of Shaftesbury House (School)' that R A C Stutt had passed his entrance examination for the Belfast Bank.

Known as Alec, he joined the Belfast Banking Company on 16th May 1938. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address and occupation as 545 Antrim Road, Belfast (Methodist Minister). Alec is recorded as working in Central branch.

Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Central branch (Donegall Square North)

At the start of the War, Stutt volunteered and joined the Royal Artillery, serving 7 years. He rose to the rank of Sergeant.

 
Following demobilisation, Stutt re-joined the Belfast Banking Company.

 
Stutt was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club in March 1947 paying 5 shillings subscription. At that time he was working in Castle Place branch. Transfers followed to Head Office (1948), North End (1949).

Belfast Bank, Castle Place branch

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street

Stutt is recorded in the 1966 annual accounts of the Belfast Banking Company as being manager of their Lisburn Road branch. It had been opened 2 years earlier in 1964 after being located next door in 435 Lisburn Road from 1960 as a sub-branch.

The Belfast Telegraph of 19th May 1964 published this advertisement:

Belfast Bank, 437 Lisburn Road branch

Northern Bank, 437 Lisburn Road

The Belfast Telegraph of 2nd August 1977 reported on Stutt and a colleague Barry Lowry (also 10 High Street staff) working for the 'Not Forgotten Association'.

Reverend John William Stutt died in March 1978.

Stutt retired on 30th April 1981 as manager of the High Street, Belfast branch.

Northern Bank, 10 High Street branch

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link’ of Summer 1981 contain photographs of Stutt.

Alec Stutt died on 15th August 2015 at Oakmount Lodge Care Home, Bangor. He was predeceased by his wife, Beatrice. Following cremation at Roselawn Crematorium, a Service of Remembrance was later held at Carnalea Methodist Church.

McFadden, John Thomas Brooks

J T B McFadden 

(Photo acknowledged to his daughters 

Facebook account with grateful thanks)

Lieutenant John Thomas Brooks McFadden (RNVR)

McFadden was born at Ivinder (?) Terrace, Armagh on 3rd April 1920 to Henry John McFadden, Grocer and Elizabeth Maria McFadden nee Brooks. They had married on 3rd September 1919 at Armagh Presbyterian Church. He was known as Brooks. 

 
McFadden joined the Belfast Banking Company on 6th September 1939. Adeline Kathleen Brooks (spinster, a maiden aunt?) formerly of the Belgravia Hotel, Lisburn Road, Belfast signed the guarantee. A further agreement was signed by Shirley Brooksmere of 158 Belfast Road, Holywood. Brooks is recorded as working in Ballyclare branch.

Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Ballyclare branch

The Belfast News-Letter of 3rd October 1940 reports that Mr Brooks McFadden attended an exhibition called ''Things I Saw in Paris' (location unknown).

McFadden volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Navy and served on the Atlantic Convoys and in the Pacific theatre.

Following demobilisation, McFadden continued his service with the RNVR being  promoted to Lieutenant on 2nd August 1956 with seniority back-dated to 25th November 1951.

 
McFadden  is recorded as being a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club in March 1947 paying 5 shillings subscription. 

Promotions followed with Lisburn (1952), Inspector (1956), Bradbury Place (1962 - Manager), Assistant General Manager (1967), Advance Controller (1970).

Belfast Bank, Lisburn branch

 

Belfast Bank, Bradbury Place branch

The Belfast Telegraph of 17th May 1971 reported on the career of McFadden in a 'promotion' article:

McFadden retired on 30th September 1976. 

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link of Spring 1973 and Autumn 1974 contain additional photographs of Brooks McFadden.