Smyth, Robert - "Missing from the Roll of Honour"

Sergeant Robert Smyth

Smyth was born around 1876 (date and location not found) and was the son of George Rock Smyth and Elizabeth Smyth. His surname is sometimes recorded as Smythe.

Following his education, Smyth may have joined the Northern Banking Company around 1893 (about 17 years old).

In 1901, Smyth (25) was living in house 11, Cullybackey Road, Ballymena with his parents and 3 siblings; Lizzie Moore (23), Harriette (20) and George (29). Robert's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. 

By 1911, the family address is now recorded as house 16, Cullybackey Road, Ballymena. Smyth is living with his parents and his 2 sisters. Again, Robert's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. Brother George is now living in house 2.1 Charlotte Street, Ballymoney with his wife and 3 young children aged 5 and under.

Smyth , aged 38, volunteered and enlisted at London on 16th July 1915 into the 1st Bn. Welsh Guards as a Guardsman with Service Number 1820. He would have been aged 40 at this time. His address is recorded as 'Woodbine Cottages', Ballymena.

R Smyth - Enlistment Papers 
(Occupation - Bank Official)

Robert Smythe - Medal Index Card

Smyth records that he served in France from 26th September 1916 to 15th April 1919 as a Corporal, Lance Sergeant and then a Sergeant. However, his 'first theatre of war' section on the Medal Index Card above has not been completed.

Robert Smyth - Military History Sheet

During his career in the army, Smyth was promoted from Guardsman (Gdsm) to::

• 2nd November 1915 - Appointed unpaid Lance Corporal - at London
• 14th March 1916 - Promoted Corporal and appointed T/Sgt - at Tower of London

Unfortunately, Robert had a few disciplinary actions taken against him:

• L/Cpl - 23rd November 1916 - 'Continual  (?) regulation' and 'severely reprimanded'
• L/Cpl - 30th November 1916 -  Gross neglect of duty' and 'deprived of lance stripe'
• T/Sgt - 14th October 1919 - 'Conduct to the prejudice etc' and sentenced to be 'reduced to the ranks' with '112 days detention'
• Gdsm - 3rd February 1920 - 'Discharged for misconduct'

According to the Medal Index Card, Smyth was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His 'Military History Sheet' is annotated '1914/15 Star' in section 9 - Medals.

Following his demobilisation, Smyth applied for an Army Pension and completed the army document (below) known as a 'Statement By A Soldier Concerning His Own Case' [*] on 17th January 1920.  He stated that he had 'varicose veins and debility' and had also been treated in Ballymena Cottage Hospital for appendicitis.

In Section 7 of the document, Smyth records his employer before joining the army as the Northern Banking Company Limited, Belfast.

[*]  The document was obtained (via Ancestry) by Alan Rosborough who is a researcher for the Cullybackey & District Historical Society.

  

The writer has a set of 13 pages from Smyth's army career with copies of a few displayed above.

Alexander, George

2nd Lieutenant George Alexander

Alexander was born at 37 Lavinia Street, Belfast on 8th April 1897 to Francis Alexander, Clerk and Charlotte Alexander nee Galbraith. They had married on 11th March 1896 at Albert Bridge Independent Church, Belfast. Francis was the first son of a 7th son.  

In 1901 Alexander (3) was living in house 8, St. Ives Gardens, Cromac, Belfast with his parents and sister, Fanny Galbraith (2). 

By 1911 the family had moved to house 5, Stranmillis Park, Belfast. 

Alexander applied to join the Northern Bank in 1912. He received a letter from the bank advising him that he had been successful in an examination held on 30th October 1912.

Later he attended a medical examination with a Dr Victor George Leopold Fielden of 84 Dublin Road, Belfast at a cost of 10/6 (£0.52.5). In the 1911 census, Dr Fielden described himself as a Medical Practitioner, Anaesthetist, Queen's University Belfast.

Alexander started the bank at Head Office on 26th November 1912.  He was of Independent faith. 

In 1915 he enlisted as a Private into the 17th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles (Cadet Company) aged 18. 

On 5th August 1916 he was promoted to a Temporary 2nd Lieutenant with the 17th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. His Warrant from the King is pictured below. The front of the document is dated 28th August 1916.

Within the actual warrant, it has been dated as 26th August 1916 (within the seventh year of the reign of King George V).

Later he was posted to the 6^th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Alexander later served with the Salonica Expeditionary Force and was later promoted to Lieutenant. He saw action at Struma River (Macedonia).   

On 24th October 1916, Alexander became a Prisoner of War in Bulgaria. The Belfast News Letter of 13th December 1916 reports:

 

Alexander was released from being a Prisoner of War in 1918 and returned to the United Kingdom. A printed letter from the King dated 1918 was sent to him 'welcoming him on his release'. The envelope and letter are pictured below:

 

Following demobilisation, Alexander re-joined the Northern Bank on 14th April 1919 and was posted to Newry branch. 

Transfers followed to Head Office (1921), Randalstown (1921) and Royal Avenue (1923). Whilst based in Royal Avenue branch, Alexander studied for his Institute of Bankers in Ireland examinations. On 15th June 1926, Edwin D Hill (director and author of the Northern Banking Company Centenary Volume 1824 to 1924) wrote a hand written letter to George giving unofficial notice of his examination result.

On 26th June 1926, the bank wrote to Alexander and congratulated him on securing first place in the preliminary examination. He received a cheque for £15 15/- (£15.75).

During 1930 Alexander applied to join the Irish Bank Officials' Association (IBOA) Medical Benefits Fund and was accepted in a letter dated 9th December 1930. The letter was addressed to Alexander at Head Office.

Later transfers were to Head Office (1930), Londonderry (1931), Head Office (1931) and Shaftesbury Square (1931). 

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

On 27th August 1931, Alexander was found dead (poisoned by gas) at 5 Stranmillis Park, Belfast.  This was his sister’s residence. The 1918 Belfast Street Directory records ‘F Alexander’ as living at that address. He is buried in plot L1 16 in Belfast City Cemetery with his parents who had previously died in 1909 (Charlotte) and 1924 (Francis).

'ALSO THEIR SON GEORGE

DIED 27TH AUGUST 1931'

The Belfast News-Letter of 31st August 1931 included this tribute to Alexander in a cricket sports column:

The Belfast News-Letter of 29th September 1931 included this tribute to Alexander in a hockey sports column:

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Summer 1978)’ contains a photograph of Alexander appearing in the Northern Bank Cricket Team of 1928.

Additional family information has been kindly supplied by Charlie Alexander.

Kearney, Denis

Temporary Captain Denis Kearney

Kearney was born at The Terrace, Downpatrick on 15th February 1910 to Henry Ernest Kearney, Sub-Manager, Northern Bank and Eva Frances Kearney nee Carden. They were married on 10th January 1908 at St. James' Church, Belfast.

In 1911 Kearney (1) lived in house 14, Church Street, Downpatrick with his parents and elder brother, Henry Arnold William (2).A servant, Elizabeth Kelly was also present in the house. Henry (Father) has his occupation recorded as an Assistant Bank Manager.

 
On 20th August 1928 Kearney joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Dromore (1928 - Junior), Falls (1930 - Junior), Boyle (1932 - Junior), Banbridge (1936 - Junior), Antrim Road (1937 - Junior), Magherafelt (1938 - Relief) and Head Office (1939).

Northern Bank, Dromore branch

Northern Bank, Falls branch

Northern Bank, Banbridge branch

Northern Bank, Magherafelt branch

 

Kearney volunteered and enlisted on 2nd September 1939 into one of the Anti-Aircraft Regiments, Royal Artillery, 3rd Anti-Aircraft Brigade.

The Bank Staff record cards records Kearney's final rank as T/Captain having progressed from Private, to Lance Sergeant and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant to Lieutenant

 

On 7th January 1946 Kearney re-joined the Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed on Relief Staff (1946 to 1949), Newry (1949 - Accountant & Teller), Fintona (1951 - Teller), Head Office (1951), Portrush (1951 - Teller), Londonderry (1955 - Sub-Manager) and Grafton Street (1963 - Assistant Manager & Manager).

Northern Bank, Newry branch

Northern Bank, Fintona branch

Northern Bank, Portrush branch 

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

Denis Kearney, aged 59 died in service (of the bank) on 26th April 1969 at Flat 2, Sloperton, Monkstown Dublin. He is buried in plot C4 759 in Dundonald Cemetery with his father (died 1930), mother (died 1967) and another woman, Frances Eva Warren (died 1997).

'Also their son Denis'

Henry E Kearney

On 27th January 2014 the writer noticed an 'Illuminated Address' book in the name of Henry E Kearney' for sale in Ballinderry Antiques, Lower Ballinderry Road, Upper Ballinderry, Lisburn, BT28 2EP. Best price would have been circa £260. The book had been produced on the transfer of Kearney from Downpatrick.

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

McKitrick, Roderick Alexander

Squadron Leader Roderick Alexander McKitrick DFC (later Colonel)

McKitrick was the son of George Evelyn McKitrick (born at 4 Kinnaird Street, Belfast on 2nd August 1879) and educated at Campbell College, Lower VI in 1895.

 
In 1901,McKitrick (21, Bank Clerk & was later to be Roderick's father) lived in house 122.1 Duncairn Street, Belfast with his parents and 3 siblings; Mary (29), Ethel (18) and Mary (16).

By 1911 McKitrick is living in house 53, Antrim Road, Belfast with his parents and sister, Ann. George is described as a Bank Clerk and works for the Belfast Bank in Head Office.

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Belfast

Roderick A McKitrick was born on 14th March 1922 to George McKitrick and ? McKitrick nee Woods. His birth was registered in Larne. Roderick followed his father into the Belfast Banking Company after passing his bank entrance examination as reported in the Northern Whig of 29th April 1938:

It is interesting to note that Messrs Charlton, Connor and Stutt also volunteered and enlisted into the services during World War 2.

McKitrick volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Artillery as a Gunner. In 1941 he transferred to the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve with Service Number: 149126 and promotions are recorded as:

• 14th May 1943 - Pilot Officer (on probation)
• 14th November 1943 - Flying Officer (on probation)
• 14th May 1945 - Squadron Leader

McKitrick flew with No. 44 and No. 138 Squadrons. With No. 138 Squadron he was involved in dropping of Secret Agents in SOE operations. During Operation Draughts & Backgammon with Short Stirling Mk IV NF-J, LK200 in the night of 8th/9th September 1944, the plane hit the cable of a barrage balloon at 02.50 hours over Texel, the Netherlands and crashed.

 
Of the crew Flying Officer Thomas Roger Court, Flying Officer John Hulme and Flying Officer George Evans Fletcher Walton died in the crash. They later were buried at the cemetery at Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands.

 
Squadron Leader G.M. Rothwell, Flying Officer McKitrick, Pilot Officer Shaw and Flight Sergeant R.W. Wilmott were taken prisoner. Roderick Alexander McKitrick was imprisoned at POW camp L1 (Staluft 4B/L1) at Barth together with Rothwell and Shaw.

R A McKitrick - Prisoner of War (POW) Record

Flying Officer McKitrick was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) on 23rd May 1944 (published without citation).

The website, harringtonmuseum.org.uk records McKitrick's plane crash over Holland. Similar detail as above.

The Western Morning News of 10th January 1945 reports that R A McKitrick is 'missing':

Following demobilisation, it is not clear if McKitrick returned to employment in the Belfast Banking Company.

 
However, the London Gazette continue the reporting of a R A McKitrick DFC as follows:

• 28th July 1953 commission relinquished, Flight Lieutenant on transfer to Army
• 25th September 1953 promotion from Lieutenant to Captain with Officer Number 429994 Royal Army Education Corps (seniority back to 1950).
• 25th December 1953 seniority as Lieutenant (back to 4th May 1945).
• 1st November 1957 promotion to Major (4th November 1957).
• 27th January 1967 promotion to Lieutenant Colonel (31st December 1966).
• 8th January 1974 promotion to Colonel (back to 30th June 1973) - from R.A.E.C.

Roderick McKitrick died aged 92 on 24th April 2014 at Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Bailey, Robert Nixon Armstrong

Major Robert Nixon Armstrong Bailey

Bailey was born at Ballymagowan, Clogher, Co. Tyrone on 7th June 1881 to William Henry Bailey, Clergyman and Eleanor O. Bailey nee Armstrong. They had married on 4th August 1875 at St. Mary's Parish Church, Drummully, Co. Monaghan.

Following his education at Dungannon Royal School, Bailey would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1899 / 1900. His address at that time was The Manse, Clogher (Clogher Presbyterian Church).

In 1901, Bailey was boarding with Jane Wilson, Setting Apartments in house 20, William Street, Fair Gate, Drogheda, Co. Louth.  His occupation is described as a Bank Clerk and he may have been working in Drogheda branch of the bank.

Belfast Bank, Drogheda branch

By 1911, Bailey was boarding with Jennie Witherow and her niece, Lena Louden in house 25, Glenmanus, Ballylagan, Co. Londonderry. His occupation is described as a Banker and may have been working in Londonderry branch.

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Bailey is recorded on a later newspaper report as working in Ballymena and Portrush branches.

Belfast Bank, Ballymena branch

Belfast Bank, Portrush branch

Bailey volunteered and enlisted in the Public Schools Battalion and also served with the 2nd Bn. Highland Light Infantry and attained the rank of Major in the Labour Corps. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 30th September 1915.

R N A Bailey - Medal Index Card

[Address: The Green, Dunmurry]

Bailey is reported in the Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet as being 'previously wounded' with his last known address as 'in France'.

The Belfast News Letter of 26th April 1916 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 27th March 1919 reports:

On 17th December 1918, Robert married Mary Gwladys John, Nurse at Haslemere Parish Church, Surrey.

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Bailey returned to work eventually ending up as Manager of Whitehead branch. 

Belfast Bank, Whitehead branch

During the Ulster 'troubles' of the 1920s, Bailey served as a Sergeant in the 'B' Specials, Royal Ulster Constabulary and later as the Commanding Officer of the South Belfast Battalion, Ulster Special Constabulary (USC).

The Belfast News-Letter of 11th January 1926 carries a report that mentions Lt Col R N A Bailey presiding at a farewell dinner to members of the 'C Specials, Royal Ulster Constabulary' at Thompson's Restaurant, Belfast. Later reports him a Major.

There are quite a few other newspaper reports featuring Major R N A Bailey or his wife, Belfast Bank, Whitehead during the war years.

The Larne Times of 27th June 1946 reports the resignation (probably retirement) of Major Bailey from the Belfast Bank, Whitehead. It also reports Mrs Bailey as being awarded the MBE in the previous New Year Honours list.

The Belfast Telegraph of 3rd July 1953 carries a photograph of Mrs Bailey, MBE walking behind Sir Norman Stronge and Her Majesty The Queen at Balmoral, Belfast.

Mrs Bailey MBE in her capacity as Area Chairman of the Royal British Legion features more that her husband in the local newspapers.

Bailey, aged 76, died at Lagan Valley Hospital, Lisburn on 29th September 1957. Probate was granted to his widow, Mary.

The Northern Whig of 1st October 1957 carried an obituary of Major R N A Bailey: