Jelly, Herbert Alexander

Private Herbert Alexander Jelly

Jelly was a Northern Bank official working in branches in 1911/12 and although he is not recorded on the Northern Bank War Memorial / Roll of Honour, he qualifies as a former official who served in the Great War.

Herbert Alexander Jelly was born on 17th October 1885 at 67 Glenalpin Street, Belfast to James Jelly (21),  Grocer, and Mary Jelly (18) nee Nicholson. They had married on 3rd June 1869 at Minterburn Presbyterian Church, Caledon, Co. Tyrone.

In 1901, Jelly (recorded as 14) was living at house 37, Lisburn Road, Belfast with his parents and 6 siblings; Agnes (26), James (24), Lizzie (21), Thomas (19), Minnie (17) and Ruby (9). A servant, Mary Ann Shea (35) was also living in the house.

Following his education, Jelly may have joined the Northern Bank around 1902/03.

In 1911, Jelly was working as a Bank Cashier in Fivemiletown. He was lodging in house 2, Fivemiletown with George Young, a Hotel Proprietor and Hardware Merchant. 

Fivemiletown branch in Danske Bank years

There are various newspaper reports (British Newspaper Archive) referencing Herbert Jelly although some may not be this Herbert Jelly. Jelly & Northern Bank references continued in 1911 & 1912.

• The Irish News and Belfast Morning News of 7th October 1911 reports on Jelly being involved in a court case re voters lists: 

• The Fermanagh Times of 19th October 1911 reported him as Captain of the local Fivemiletown team.  

It is not known if Jelly left the employment of the bank as the author does not have current access to the banks staff records of the period.

In mid 1912, Jelly was transferred from Fivemiletown to Newry branch. His hobbies appear to have been football and drama.

Newry branch

Jelly enlisted with the South Irish Horse with Service Number 2441, and and was posted to France after 1915. He was transferred to the 7th (South Irish Horse) Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment with Service Number 25403 in September 1917. 

Herbert Jelly - Medal Index Card

He was taken prisoner at Reasey on 21st March 1918 during the German Spring Offensive and was held at Gustrow POW Camp in Northern Germany. 

H A Jelly - POW Record 1

H A Jelly - POW Record 2

H A Jelly - POW Record 3

Jelly died of gastroenteritis in a German military hospital on 14th September 1918, aged 32, and is buried in Le Cateau Military Cemetery in France. CWGC record him as the son of James Jelly, 81 Delhi Street, Belfast.

H A Jelly - CWGC Headstone

The Malone Presbyterian Church 'Memorial Organ' war memorial was unveiled on 8th October 1922. Jelly's name was read out at the service as one of the 'Fallen'. Two tablets recording the names of those who fell and those who served were added to the organ in 1925.

Malone Presbyterian Church - 'Memorial Organ'

Photo courtesy of John McCormick

Malone Presbyterian Church - 'Memorial Organ', 'Fallen' Panel 

Photo courtesy of John McCormick

His father was awarded a War Gratuity of £9 and ten shillings in September 1919, which equates to about £416 in current terms.

Herbert Jelly - Register of Soldiers' Effects

My thanks go to Nigel Henderson for identifying this man as a Northern Bank official and for part of the research and images. Thanks also to the 18th Regiment of Foot Royal Irish Regiment(& South Irish Horse)Association™ Facebook page.

Henry, Thomas (Junior)

Lieutenant Thomas Henry (Junior)

Henry was born on 11th June 1893 at Ratheane, Coleraine to Thomas Henry, Grocer and Louisa Elizabeth Stewart Henry nee Sharpe. They had married on 21st May 1889 at Portstewart Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 Henry  (7) lived in house 9, Captain Street Upper, Coleraine with his parents and 4 siblings; Elizabeth J (11), Richard J (9), John Alexander (6) and Albert Frederick (2). A servant, Elizabeth Sooters was also present in the house.

In 1911 that family were still living in this property. A further brother, Benjamin (9) and a servant, Mary A Jackson were also living in the house. Thomas is annotated as a scholar.

On 'Ulster Day' 28th September 1912 Henry and his father both signed the Ulster Covenant.

Henry would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1912 / 1913 and served in Moville and Central branches.

Belfast Bank, Moville branch

Belfast Bank, Central branch, Donegall Square North

Henry volunteered and enlisted into the 10th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers and later attained the rank of Lieutenant. 

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour 'booklet records Henry as being 'previously wounded' with his last known address as 're-entered the bank' eventually ending up as Manager of Banbridge branch. 

Belfast Bank - 'Roll of Honour' booklet

Belfast Bank, Banbridge branch

The Belfast Telegraph of 19th March 1940 recorded Thomas Henry of Belfast Bank House, Banbridge.

Henry was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club in March 1948 paying 1 shillings subscription. 

Retirement came in 1957. Thomas Henry died on 12th March 1963.

Kearney, Herbert

Cadet Herbert Kearney

Kearney was born on 24th April 1892 at Knocknacarry, Ballycastle to William Kearney, Royal Irish Constabulary Sergeant and Isabella Jane Kearney nee Kearney. 

In 1901 Kearney (8) was living in house 82, Old Park Avenue, Clifton Ward, Belfast with his parents and 7 siblings; Elizabeth Margaret (18), Allen Gibson (6), John Dixon (11), Robert George (12), Thomas Edwin (15), Henry Ernest (22) and James Frederick (14).

Kearney applied for a job in the Belfast Banking Company and had to undertake an entrance examination held at Connell's Institute, The Strand, Londonderry.

The Derry Journal 18th March 1908

Kearney joined the Belfast Banking Company soon after his examination in 1908.   The Bankers Guarantee was signed by Eva Frances Kearney of Northern Bank, Downpatrick and annotated as 'his mother' in the bank's Bankers Guarantee Staff ledger. Henry Ernest Kearney was an elder brother of Herbert's.  His wife was Eva Frances Kearney. Henry was the Assistant Manager at Northern Bank, Downpatrick. Later signatories to the Bankers Guarantee are John Ennis and Elizabeth Margaret Ennis.  John & Elizabeth married on 5th August 1914.

Bankers Guarantee - Ledger sheet

By 1911 the family property is known as house 60, Oldpark Avenue, Clifton Ward, Belfast. Herbert is described as a Bank Clerk. There are 3 siblings living in the house, Robert George, Elizabeth Margaret and Allen Gibson. A cousin, Mary Emily Kearney is also present.

On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, Kearney signed the Ulster Covenant at the City Hall, Belfast giving his address as 128 Oldpark Avenue, Belfast.

Kearney volunteered and enlisted into the 19th Bn Royal Irish Rifles as a Private (Rifleman) with Service Number 19/20278. He later served as an Officer Cadet with an Officer Training Corps (OTC) although there is no evidence to show he was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. His first theatre of war is not detailed on his Medal Index Card. However the Prisoner of War record cards dated 23rd July 1918, 11th September 1918 and 20th September 1918 all mention St. Quentin, 21st March 1918 and the 12th Bn Royal Irish Rifles.

Medal Index Card - Herbert Kearney

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' records Kearney as being a 'Prisoner of War'. As mentioned above, the Prisoner of War record cards dated 23rd July 1918, 11th September 1918 and 20th September 1918 all mention St. Quentin, 21st March 1918 and the 12th Bn Royal Irish Rifles.

Prisoner of War Record Cards - 3 of combined -  Herbert Kearney

Kearney was awarded the British War medal and the British Victory Medal.

Medal Roll - Herbert Kearney

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Kearney returned to work eventually ending up in East End branch.

Belfast Bank, East End branch (Albertbridge Road, Belfast)

Kearney also worked in Head Office.

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

On 3rd June 1921 Kearney married Miss de Rance Dowey at Sinclair Seaman's Church, Belfast.

Kearney was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club on 27th March 1945 paying 5 shillings subscription.

Retirement came in 1953. Herbert Kearney died on 17th May 1970.

Hunter, William Mortimer

2nd Lieutenant William Mortimer Hunter

Hunter was born at Barnhill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on 20th October 1890 to John Hunter, farmer and Margaret Elizabeth Hunter nee McLean. A twin daughter, Wilhelmina was born 10 minutes after William. They had married on 27th January 1879 at the residence of Thomas McLean, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal.

In 1901 Hunter was living in house 11, Glebe, Castlewray, Co. Donegal with his parents and 6 siblings; Margaret (18), Elizabeth (16), Wilhelmina (10), Thomas (8), Mary (5) and James (5). 3 servants, Mary Ann McGinley, Samuel McNutt and John Hegarty are also present in the house.

By 1911, the family are still living at that address. The parents are present and the following children, Margaret, Elizabeth, Jack, Mina, Tom, Mary and Jim. There are 3 servants too, Henry Deeming, Susannah McDaid and James Diver. Hunter is not present in the family home.

Hunter would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1907 / 1908 serving in Ballyshannon branch.

Belfast Bank, Ballyshannon branch

In 1911 he is boarding with the McQuade family in house 1, Sedan Terrace, Enniskillen. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. There is another bank clerk, Gerald K M K Lanie also boarding in the property.

Hunter volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers with Service Number 12/29269.  Later he was promoted to Lance Corporal and then 2nd Lieutenant.  His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 2nd May 1917.

Hunter was serving with 4th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers as a 2nd Lieutenant when he was killed in action on 29th June 1917 aged 26. 

On 6th July 1917 the News Letter reported his death in its 'Ulster and the War' column.

Ulster and the War column - courtesy of Nigel Henderson, Great War Newspapers

The bank memorial picture above states he was serving with the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed. His Medal Index Card confirms his service with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

Wm M Hunter - Medal Index Card 

Hunter was awarded the British War medal and the British Victory Medal.

He is buried in the Bard Cottage Cemetery, leper West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

Administration of the Estate of William M Hunter was granted at Londonderry to Margaret E Hunter, widow (his mother). Hunter's effects were £46 2s 6d.



Braddell, Claude

Lieutenant Claude Braddell (or Braddel)

Braddell was born in Belfast on 28th November 1886. This date is taken from his bank staff record and has not been verified.

In 1901 Braddell was living with his aunt, Isabella Braddell in house 1, Eglantine Gardens, Belfast. Another aunt, Georgina Dunn and a cousin, Anne Kathleen Dunn and a servant, Elizabeth Kidd were also living in the house.

 
On 27th April 1903, he joined Northern Bank at Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Royal Avenue (1906 - Junior), Carrickfergus (1906 - Junior), Royal Avenue (1906 - Junior), Head Office (1911) and Ball’s Branch (1911 - Cashier).  

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch

Ball & Company, Henry Street, Dublin

In 1911, Braddell is living in house 481, Lisburn Road, Windsor, Belfast. He is described as a Bank Clerk and is residing with his aunt Georgina and her daughter Kathleen. A servant, Sarah Bryans is also living in the house.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Braddell signed the Ulster Covenant at the Old Town Hall, Belfast giving his address as 24, Lower Mount Street, Dublin.

On 24th February 1913, a Deed Poll was executed and enrolled changing his name from Claude Braddell Burbridge to Claude Braddell.

Braddell volunteered on 15th May 1915 and enlisted into the 5th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles aged 28. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 24th March 1916. 

Medal Index Card - Claude Braddel

He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and attached to the 2nd Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Subsequently he was attached to the 16th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Claude was promoted to Lieutenant on 1st July 1917.

Braddell married Eileen Mary McClatchie on 22nd August 1917 at St George’s Church, Belfast, by the Rev H D Murphy, DD. His details are recorded as Claude Braddel, 2nd Lieutenant, 5th Royal Irish Rifle (Royal South Downs). Eileen was the only daughter of J W McClatchie, Northern Bank House, Donegall Square West, Belfast. (An 18 year old, Eileen McClatchie is recorded in the 1911 Irish Census as living in Lurgan).

Northern Bank House, Donegall Square West, Belfast

Braddell was demobilised in January 1919 and was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.  These were applied for on 29th October 1921.  His address at that time was 23 Pembroke Road, Dublin.

Claude Braddel - Medal Roll 

Following demobilisation, Braddell re-joined the Northern Bank on 17th February 1919 at Ball’s Branch. Transfers to Beragh (1920 - Manager) and Head Office (1924- Interim Manager) followed. The next year (1926), he was moved to Claudy as Manager.

Northern Bank, Beragh branch

Northern Bank, Claudy branch

Claude Braddell retired on 1st September 1941.

It is reported on a website that a Charles Braddel donated the altar, the reredos and credence table at the Cumber Upper Church, Alla, two kilometres south of Claudy in memory of his wife Eileen who passed away on 1st May 1959.

Hunter, Robert Torrens

Private Robert Torrens Hunter

Hunter was born on 28th November 1887 at High Street, Antrim to Kennedy Hunter, woollen draper and Sarah Jane Hunter nee Torrens. They had married on 6th July 1875 at Churchtown Presbyterian Church, Tamlaght O'Crilly, Maghera, Co. Antrim (registered in Ballymoney district).

Sarah Hunter passed away on 13th April 1896.

In 1901 Hunter lived in house 33, Townparks, Antrim, Co. Antrim with his father and 2 siblings; Rosanna (22) and Samuel (16). A servant Ellen Aekin also lived in the house.  

Hunter would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1905. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as Mount Oriel, Antrim.

Belfast Banking Company - Bankers Guarantee Ledger sheet

By 1911 Hunter is boarding with Annie Fleming in her boarding house 22.1, Onomy, Urban West Street, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. He is described as a Bank Clerk. There are 3 other boarders, a niece and 2 servants also present in the property.

Belfast Banking Company, Castleblayney branch

Hunter enlisted into the 10th Royal Fusiliers as a Private with Service Number G/47431. The Medal Roll below records his service as:

• 15/03/1916 to 28/04/1916 - 21st Battalion Royal Fusiliers
• 29/04/1916 to 10/08/1916 - 24th Battalion Royal Fusiliers
• 30/03/1917 to 18/04/1917 - 7th Battalion Royal Fusiliers
• 19/04/1917 to 08/04/1918 - 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet cannot be verified. The booklet records Hunter as being 'previously injured' with his last known address as 'in France'.

Belfast Bank - 'Roll of Honour' booklet

Hunter was awarded the British War Medal and the British Victory Medal for his service in the Great War.

R T Hunter - Medal Roll

Hunter also served in Central and Londonderry branches.

Belfast Bank, Central branch, Donegall Square North, Belfast

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch