Campbell, Samuel MacDonnell

Lieutenant Samuel MacDonnell Campbell

Campbell was born at Dungiven on 16th October 1882 to Robert M Campbell, Hotel-keeper and Mary Campbell nee McDonnell (spelling as per birth registration). They had married on 9th November 1876 at Tamlaghtfinlagan Church of Ireland, Co. Londonderry.

On 26th March 1900 Campbell joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address at that time is recorded as Dungiven.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

In 1901 Campbell was boarding with the Allen family in house 59, Atlantic Avenue, Belfast. He is described as a Bank Official. There are 2 other boarders in the property.

Transfers followed his spell in Head Office with moves to Limavady (1903), Coleraine (1906 - Accountant), Larne (1910 - Cashier & Books) and Head Office (1915). 

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

Northern Bank, Larne branch

By 1911, Campbell was boarding with Minnie Murray and her companion, Margaret Gladwin in house 53, Main Street, Larne, Co. Antrim. He describes himself as a Banker.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Campbell signed the Ulster Covenant at Articlave Orange Hall.

On 10th May 1915, Campbell volunteered and enlisted into the 13th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was later attached to the 86th Trench Mortar Battery and promoted to Lieutenant.

Campbell was killed in action on 1st July 1916. 

The Belfast News Letter of 11th July 1916 reports:

Another newspaper reported:

(Photo courtesy of Great War Belfast Newspapers)

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

S MacD Campbell - Medal Index Card

Campbell is buried in the Beaumont-Hamel British Cemetery, Somme, France.

Probate was granted at Dublin on 2nd October 1916 to Martin Richards, Dentist. Campbell's effects totalled £194 18s 9d.

Campbell is remembered on a private family memorial at Dungiven Parish Church.

Louise Millsopp tweeted that "She was honoured to lay this today (14th November 2021) .... Lest we Forget".

Family Headstone at Dungiven Parish Church
(Courtesy of Louise Millsopp)

Russell, James Dick

Leading Aircraftman James Dick Russell

Russell was probably born around 1919 / 1920 and was the son of the Rev. William Russell and Margaret Russell nee Dick. They had married on 5th June 1900 at Trinity Street Reformed Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

The Belfast Gazette dated 23rd June 1933 mentions the Rev. Wm Russell in a charitable bequest notice. A William Martin (manager) is also mentioned.

Russell probably joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1938 / 1939. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee and gave his address as 63 Cliftonville Road and later as 21 Brookvale Avenue, Belfast. Margaret Russell would later sign the guarantee.

Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Russell volunteered and enlisted as a LAC (Leading Aircraftman) in the RAF.

The Northern Whig of 9th May 1944 reports on the marriage of J D Russell RAF to Eileen Mary Clark WRNS on 29th April 1944 at the Methodist Church, Solihull.

Russell is recorded in the 1966 annual accounts of the Belfast Banking Company as being sub-manager of Donegall Square North branch (Central branch).

Belfast Bank, Central branch (Donegall Square North)

Irwin, James Stuart (Jnr)

Major James Stuart Irwin Jnr

Irwin was born at Carnalea on 20th June 1901 to James Stuart Irwin, House and Land Agent and Jessie Arnott Irwin nee Taylor. They were married on 19th March 1900 at Bangor Church of Ireland.

In 1911 Irwin (9) was living in house 8, Wandsworth Road, Belfast with his parents and brother, Dennis. Two servants, Susan Sexton (26) and Margaret McParland (24) were also living in the house.

The Lennonwylie website records Irwin being educated at Campbell College, Belfast:

1270. *Irwin, James Stuart (E), b. 20th June, 1901, son of J. S. Irwin, Redhill, Knock, Belfast. Brother of 1322. VI, April, 1919. School Prefect. 1st XV, 1918-19. Official, Belfast Banking Co. Ltd. Address: Gracehill House, near Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. (M.)

Following his education, Irwin would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1919 / 1920. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as Redhill, Knock, Belfast. James is recorded as working in Head Office and Central branch. His mother would later sign the guarantee.

Bankers Guarantee ledger page

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

Belfast Bank, Central branch (Donegall Square North)

James S Irwin Senior died in 1928.

The Belfast News-Letter of 29th April 1939 reported that James Stuart Irwin, late cadet lance-corporal Campbell College Contingent OTC to be a 2nd Lieutenant.

The London Gazette records a J S Irwin serving with the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC).

Jessie Arnott Irwin died in 1944.

Following service during the war, he was promoted to Captain (1947) and Major (1949) relinquishing his commission in 1956.

Jane (Jean) Irwin, beloved wife of J S Irwin died on 26th September 1972 and was cremated at Roselawn Crematorium, Belfast.