Buchanan, John Gerard (Junior)

2nd Lieutenant John Gerard Buchanan Junior

was born at Castletown, Fintona, Co. Tyrone on 24th July 1898 to John Gerard Buchanan, Bank Cashier and Annie Elizabeth Buchanan nee Johnston. They were married on 25th August 1891 at Fintona Presbyterian Church.

In 1901, John (2) was living in house 27, Main Street, Fintona, Co. Tyrone with his parents and 3 siblings; William Arthur I (8), Hugh J (5) and Margaret J (0). Two servants also lived in the house, Catherine J Preston and Sarah A McGrath.

John's father, John G Buchanan is recorded as a Bank Manager. The address is that of the Northern Bank branch.

Northern Bank House, Main Street, Fintona

By 1911, the family are still living in Northern Bank House,  (house) 23, Main Street, Fintona, Co. Tyrone. The family has expanded to William Arthur I (18), Hugh J (15), Margaret E (14), John G (12), Amelia M G (7) and Mabel D (6).

[Hugh J Buchanan joined the Northern Bank and also served in the Great War].

John would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1915/1916. His Bankers Guarantee bond was signed by his father, John G Buchanan Senior, John James Knox Johnston of Crannyvale, Fintona and his brother, Hugh J Buchanan. In 1949 his sister Margaret joined in the signing.

Family headstone, John G Buchanan
Hillsborough Parish Churchyard

John volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery soon after and attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

J G Buchanan - Medal Index Card

The 'Belfast News-Letter' of 7th June 1918 reported the gassing and wounding of John:

John was awarded the British War Medal and the British Victory medal for his service.

Following his demobilisation, John worked in Saintfield, Aughnacloy and Kesh as Manager from 1950.

Belfast Bank, Saintfield branch

Belfast Bank, Aughnacloy branch

Belfast Bank, Kesh branch

The 'Belfast News-Letter' of 1st October 1934 reported the marriage of John to Dorothy M A Naylor of Fintona on 15th September 1934.

John retired in 1960 and died on 9th June 1965.

J G Buchanan - Probate

John's nephew (son of Hugh Buchanan), John Gerard Buchanan, Barrister-at-Law was later to become an Irish High Court judge. He died in 2018.

The Belfast News Letter of 30th October 1915 reports this of another brother, W A I Buchanan:

The Belfast News Letter of 28th July 1916 reports this of a brother, W A I Buchanan:

The Belfast News Letter of 30th July 1917 reports the death of his brother W A I Buchanan

Wilgar, William James

Lieutenant William James Wilgar 

was born at Ballylesson on 8th February 1892 to John Wilgar (Bank Clerk, Northern Bank and Farmer) and Jane Wilgar nee Clarke. They were married on 9th September 1880 at Castlereagh Presbyterian Church,

In 1901, William (9) is living in house 52, Ballylesson, Breda Ward, Belfast with his parents and 4 sisters; Eveline (6), Rosanne (19), Jane Clark (17) & Marion Elizabeth (11). An aunt, Jane Wilgar and 2 servants; Martha Millar and Ellen White are also present.

On 14th July 1908 William joined Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Donegall Square (1909) and Head Office – Relief (1911). 

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

In 1911 William is living an house 11, Ballylesson, Breda, Belfast with his parents and 2 sisters; Marion Elizabeth and Eveline. An aunt, Jane Wilgar is also in the house.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Wilgar signed the Ulster Covenant at Drumbo. 

On 25th February 1915, whilst on Relief Staff, William volunteered and enlisted into the 11th Bn. Loyal North Lancashire Regiment at the age of 23.  

He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and transferred into the Machine-Gun Corps. Promotion to Lieutenant followed. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 12th March 1916.

Medal Index Card - W J Wilgar

William received one injury, a gunshot wound. The Belfast News Letter dated 30th August 1916 reported:

His address was reported as 'Fernlea', Lisburn Road, Belfast.

On 3rd September 1916 the Casualty List announced:

"Listed as "Wounded" on the Casualty List issued by the War Office. This man was entitled to wear a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of the 6th July 1916. The terms of this award being met by their naming in this list."

William saw service at the Somme 1916, Messines 1917, Ypres 1917 (Passchendaele), Cambrai 1917, Allied Retreat 1918 and the Allied Advance 1918.  

Demobilisation came in July 1919. He was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. 

Medal Roll - W J Wilgar

On 2nd September 1919 the London Gazette announced the awarding of the Belgian Croix de Guerre to Temp Lt Wm J Wilgar:

"Gazette No. 31537. Croix de Guerre. The following are among the Decorations and Medals awarded by the Allied Powers and various dates to the British Forces for distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign. His Majesty the King has given unrestricted permission in all cases to wear the Decorations and Medals in question. Decorations Conferred by, His Majesty the King of the Belgians."

Following his demobilisation, William re-joined the Northern Bank on 16th July 1919 at Grafton Street, Dublin as a Junior before being promoted to Teller.

Northern Bank, Grafton Street branch, Dublin

Further transfers followed to Antrim (1929 - Manager), Letterkenny (1937 - Manager) and Ballycastle (1943 - Manager). 

Northern Bank, Antrim branch

In 1929 William was elected as Treasurer of Antrim Royal British Legion.

Northern Bank, Ballycastle branch

William Wilgar retired on 31st December 1953. He was a member of Lisnagarvey Hockey Club.

W J Wilgar of Northern Bank, Antrim is reported as being the Secretary of Masserene Golf Club in 1935 (The Ulster Tourist Development Association Ltd). 

The family were members of Malone Presbyterian Church. His name is recorded on the church War Memorial and on their Roll of Honour.

He died on 13th October 1968 leaving a widow Ann Isobel Wilgar (nee Miller).

W J Wilgar is buried in Drumbo Presbyterian Church Graveyard. He is also remembered on the church War Memorial.

Headstone on the grave of W J Wilgar at Ballylesson Graveyard

Hill, Arthur Forde Trevor Darley

Arthur Forde Trevor Darley Hill

was born at 'Rathmore Temple Villas', Rathmines, Dublin on 5th March 1900 to Edwin Darley Hill, Bank Manager and Deborah Hill nee Overend.

Trevor Darley Hill - Birth Registration 1

Arthur Forde Trevor Darley Hill - Birth Registration 2

One of the properties (14) in 

Temple Villas, Rathmines, Dublin 

described as 'largely unchanged since 1895'

In 1901 Arthur (1) lived in house 675, Palmerston Road, Rathmines and Rathgar East, Dublin with his parents and 3 siblings; Georgina Darley (7), Doris Audrey Darley (5) and Adam Cyril Darley (3). 2 servants also lived in the property, Anni J Gilbert and Sarah McKeever.

In 1911 Arthur is living in house 22, Deramore Drive, Cromac Ward, Belfast, Co. Antrim (amended to Deramore Park) with his 3 siblings, Doris A (15), Adam C D (13) and Eric D H P (6). 3 servants also live in the property, Sarah Hughes, Sarah Ross and Agnes Cummins. I cannot trace Arthur's sister Georgina D Hill.

On 1st February 1917 Arthur joined Northern Bank at Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Arthur volunteered in February 1918 was accepted by the Board of Officers of Queen's University Officers' Training Corps (OTC).

The 1924 Northern banking Company Centenary volume written by his father, Edwin D Hill states that Arthur was rejected for active service on account of him having defective vision.

A transfer to Ballynafeigh followed in 1923 and then back to Head Office in 1924.

Arthur Hill resigned from the bank on 3rd July 1925.

He died at The Gables Nursing Home, c/o Dr Risk Cartnel, The Esplanade, Pine Tree Glen, Canford Cliffs, Bournemouth on 7th March 1938 and in buried in the City Cemetery with his father, Edwin Darley Hill and mother, Deborah Hill.

PRONI Wills database records "Hill Arthur Forde Trevor Darley of No. 5 Flat Thornhill Malone Road Belfast retired bank official died 7 March 1938 at 3 Pine Tree Glen Bournemouth England Probate Belfast 18 May to Eric Desmond Hume Darley Hill bank official. Effects £3626 13s. 4d."

He was a brother of Adam C D Hill deceased who was reported missing on 16th August 1917 aged 19.

McCune, Charles Knox

3rd Radio Officer Charles Knox McCune 

Charles McCune was born at Shore Street, Belfast on 8th July 1920 to Robert Eaton McCune, Merchant and Mary McCune nee Knox.

The 1901 Irish Census records a Robert E McCune (29) as residing in house 39, Shore Road, Duncairn Ward, Belfast. Robert married Mary Knox on 11th September 1912 at the Congregational Buildings, College Street South, Belfast.

Following his education, Charles joined the Belfast Banking Company and is recorded as working in Portaferry branch. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee for him giving his address as Cloughfern, Whiteabbey. 

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Portaferry branch 
(acknowledged to J Miller Collection)

Charles volunteered and enlisted into the Merchant Navy as a 3rd Radio Officer and was serving on the cargo vessel, SS Lalande (Liverpool).

S S Lalande

Charles was killed in action on 14th November 1942. The details of the attack by a U-Boat is in this website.

His death is noted in this newspaper image:

Image courtesy of Nigel Henderson

The Merchant Navy record card records his death by drowning and his rank as 3rd Radio Officer.

Merchant Seaman's Death - via Ancestry

He is remembered on the Shipping & Seaman's Roll of Honour:

Shipping & Seaman's Roll of Honour

The PRONI Wills databases records: "McCune, Charles Knox, Cloughfern, Whiteabbey, County Antrim. Radio Officer died 14th November 1942 at sea. Administration, Belfast 21st October to Robert Eaton McCune merchant. Effects £136 18s. 10d."

Charles is remembered on the Radio Officers website. This website records McCune's death as:

"The steamer was so badly damaged by enemy air attacks off the North African coast that she had to be withdrawn from service. It is assumed the above officer died during such air attacks. Six other members of the crew lost their lives."

Belfast Bank War Memorial

Kerr, Walter Craig

Lieutenant Walter Craig Kerr

Kerr was born on 31st January 1943 in Lurgan, Co. Armagh.

 
Kerr joined Northern Bank on 1st November 1960. Transfers followed to Carrickfergus (1960), Fivemiletown (1963), 10 High Street (1965) and Carrickfergus (1967 - Pro Manager from 1972) and Magherafelt (1976 - Sub Manager).

Northern Bank, Fivemiletown branch

Northern Bank, 10 High Street, Belfast branch

In his spare time, Kerr volunteered for service in the locally recruited Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) as a private and was soon promoted to Lance Corporal. Promotion to 2nd Lieutenant came on 29th October 1973 and as Lieutenant on 29th October 1975. His Officer Service Number was 497010.

Kerr was serving with the 9th Bn. Ulster Defence Regiment when he died on 2nd November 1977 aged 34. This was following an incident a few days earlier.

Details of the incident are recorded at the end of this article. GRAPHIC.

He is buried in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website advises that his name will be included on the Armed Forces Memorial in Staffordshire and on the Rolls of Honour that will be kept on public display in the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London.

Walter would have been awarded the (1962) General Service Medal with Northern Ireland clasp and his next of kin would have been eligible to apply for the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll.

At the time of writing (2012 & updated 2021) there is no memorial to Walter Kerr in Northern Bank.

The '1962 General Service Medal' (pictured below) is the actual medal awarded to the late Lieutenant Robin G Smyrl UDR who was killed on 13th September 1977. A member of his family used to work for Northern Bank. His medal on display at the Somme Heritage Centre, Conlig, Newtownards.

 

Lieutenant Robin G Smyrl UDR 

Obituary from ‘The Link’ (Northern Bank staff magazine)

It is with deep regret that we record the death of Walter Craig Kerr as a result of severe injuries received in a booby-trap explosion at his home in Magherafelt on 2nd November 1977.

Walter entered the service of the bank on 1st November 1960 and served in a number of Branches before being appointed Pro-Manager at Carrickfergus Branch on 1st June 1972 and Sub-Manager at Magherafelt Branch on 1st February 1976. He was a man who showed great dedication and determination in all things he undertook. Those people privileged to know and work with him will appreciate the sad loss to the Bank and the community.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to his sorrowing wife Rosemary and children Gillian and Bryan.

The East Antrim Gazette of 13th November 2012 records the 25th anniversary of Kerr's death with:

Garvagh Museum now holds a local UDR Roll of Honour. Lt W C Kerr's name is on it.

Lt W C Kerr - UDR Roll of Honour

Service honours UDR man killed in booby trap bomb

Carrickfergus Memorial

A member of the Ulster Defence Regiment who was murdered by the IRA 25 years ago was honoured at a memorial service last week. Councillors and representatives from Carrickfergus UDR Regimental Association and former colleagues of Lieutenant Walter Kerr from the Northern Bank attended the service in the garden of remembrance last Tuesday. Mr Kerr, who had lived in the Downshire area, served with the UDR for six years and had worked for the Northern Bank in High Street.  On October 27, 1977 [date appears to be incorrect], the 34-year-old was killed by a booby trap device, which exploded under his car. Dr Sam Grant, Padre for the UDR Regimental Association in Carrickfergus, said, 'People still remember Walter's bravery and courage'  'He was a man who made himself available during turbulent times, especially when his country needed him'. A wreath was laid at the foot of the memorial by Sergeant Jacki-Kirkwood Hamil from the Royal Irish Regiment and Agnes Logan, Mr. Kerr's sister. The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Eric Ferguson, said he was 'pleased to be part of the ceremony that honoured the life of Walter Kerr'. Mr Ferguson said: We are delighted that we are able as a council, to have this plaque made available to remember Walter Kerr. We are happy to re-dedicate this to him and host the proceedings". Mrs Rosemary Kerr, Mr. Kerr's widow, was unable to attend the ceremony, but is expected to visit the town later this year.

Kerr is named on this new memorial placed at Upperlands, Co. Londonderry:

Operation Banner Memorial - 2023

Incident Details - GRAPHIC

Walter Kerr, 34-year-old, married with 2 children, a bank official and a part time member of the UDR holding the rank of Lieutenant was killed by an IRA booby trap bomb that exploded under his car. As Lt. Kerr was leaving his home at Coolshinney Road, Magherafelt on 27 October, the bomb exploded. A few minutes later, his children and a neighbour's child would have been in the car on their way to school. Lt. Kerr died in hospital on 2nd November from the injuries he received. He was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital where doctors fought to save his life.  He suffered severe injuries and both legs had to be amputated. Twelve soldiers from the Royal Tank Regiment almost immediately donated blood to help the lieutenant while another 50 soldiers later were helicoptered to the Mid Ulster Hospital to donate more blood, many of them staying overnight at the hospital in case more blood was needed to be donated. Lt. Kerr's wife was at his side when he died. 

O'Reilly, Patrick James

Bombardier Patrick John O’Reilly

was born to Francis O'Reilly and Mary (Minnie) Anne O'Reilly of Bowelk (Townland), Co. Monaghan. I can find no trace in the Irish Genealogy website of his birth registration as either 1888 (Irish Census) or 1895 (Staff Record Card).

The bank Staff Record Card states of 1911 states his date of birth as 24th March 1895 and his address as Bailieborough.

The 1901 Irish Census records Patrick J O'Reilly (13) living in house 2, Bowelk, Anny, Co. Monaghan with his parents Francis & Mary Anne and his 7 siblings; Edward (16), Catherine J (11), Bridget (8), Francis J (6), Timothy M (4) and Sarah (1). This would give his year of birth as 1888 and does not agree with his bank Staff Record card. The family name is recorded as REILLY.

The 1911 Irish Census records the family living in house 4, Bowelk, Anny, Co. Monaghan. Francis & Minnie and their 8 children; Edward, Catherine, Bridget, Francis, Timothy, Sarah and Laurence.

On 31st January 1912, Patrick joined Northern Bank at Oldcastle branch. A transfer to Head Office followed in 1914.

Northern Bank, Oldcastle branch

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

 

In October 1914, John volunteered and enlisted at Manchester for the ‘duration of war’ into the 77th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery as a Bombardier with Service Number 63170. He may also have seen service in the Royal Irish Regiment.

P J O'Reilly - Medal Index Card

Patrick wrote an informal 'Will' and signed it on 22nd March 1916. He left the 'whole of his property and effects' to his brother, Edward O'Reilly, Bowelk, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, Ireland. This reference to his brother, Edward appears to reconcile the family with the Irish Census records of 1901 and 1911.

3 pages of the 'Informal Will' of P J O'Reilly

Patrick John O'Reilly was serving in 'France and Flanders' when he was Killed in Action on 19th/20th September 1916 aged 21. He is buried in the Couin British Cemetery, France.

CWGC Record for P J O'Reilly

This reference to his parents, Francis and Minnie appears to reconcile the family with the Irish Census records of 1901 and 1911.

Couin British Cemetery, France

CWGC headstone and grave of P J O'Reilly

He was awarded posthumously the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

He is commemorated on 'Ireland's Memorial Records:

Ireland's Memorial Records - J P O'Reilly