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.