Victory in Europe Day - 8th May 2020 - 75th Anniversary

VE Day - Belfast (Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch top right)

The 8th May 2025 is the 80th anniversary of the Victory in Europe. The Prime Minister, Winston Churchill broadcast to the nation at 3:00 pm on 8th May 1945. Many people around the UK had already been celebrating from the day before when news broke.

96 of our colleagues volunteered for service in the Army, Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. 13 did not return.

Northern Bank – World War II	44 officials volunteered for service
of which	3 were killed in action
	1 was reported missing
Belfast Bank – World War II	52 officials volunteered for service
of which	9 were killed in action

The returning men were repatriated in stages from 1945 to 1947. Some had returned for other reasons during the war. All the men had stories to tell. A few left the employment of the bank and went on to other roles. 

The links below tell only part of the story. Each man has an individual story that can be accessed via the website filters.

Belfast Banking Company - deceased, missing or served - names

Northern Bank - deceased or served - names

Bobby Malseed's return to banking in 1946 - article

We Shall Remember Them - (Courtesy of Heritage Flight Simulation)

Lisburn VE Day - 70 years on - by Gavin Bamford

British Library Web Archive

The British Library Web Archive have advised me that they have accepted the Northern Bank - War Memorials / Roll of Honour website for permanent archiving in the UK Web Archive.

An archive of this website from 14th January 2013 is available. I am not aware of how often archives are taken.

The UK Web Archive was established in 2004 to capture and archive websites from the UK domain, responding to the challenge of a ‘digital black hole’ in the nation’s memory.  It contains specially selected websites that represent different aspects of online life in the UK.

Medals Awarded During the Great War

The medals awarded during the Great War were:

1914 Star (Mons Star) was awarded for service in France or Flanders (Belgium) between 5th August and 22nd November 1914 (clasp).

1914-15 Star was awarded for service in France or Flanders (Belgium) between 23rd November 1914 and 31st December 1915, or for service in any theatre between 5th August 1914 and 31st December 1915.

Note: A person awarded any of the variants of the Stars automatically qualified for the award of the Allied Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

Allied Victory Medal (Victory Medal) was awarded for service in any operational theatre between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918. It was issued to individuals who received the 1914 and 1914-15 Stars and to most individuals who were issued the British War Medal. The medal was also awarded for service in Russia (1919-1920) and post-war mine clearance in the North Sea (1918-1919).

British War Medal was awarded to both servicemen and civilians that either served in a theatre of war, or rendered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918. It was also awarded for service in Russia, and post-war mine clearance in the Baltic, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea between 1919 and 1920.

Note: The Victory Medal could not be awarded on its own, therefore a Victory Medal must always be issued with at least a British War Medal (but the reverse is not true - some Naval personnel received the British War Medal but not the Victory Medal).

Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was awarded to non-commissioned officers for bravery.

Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was generally awarded to officers ranked Major and higher for distinguished war service.

Military Cross Medal (MC) was awarded to commissioned officers of Captain and below, as well Warrant Officers, for valour during active operations.

Numbers Awarded WW1, WW2 & Korea
	MC	1st Bar	2nd Bar	3rd Bar
1st World War	37,104	2,984	168	4
2nd World War	10,386	482	24	-
Korea	182	1	-	-

Military Medal was awarded to non-commissioned officers for bravery in a land battle.

Silver War Badge (SWB) was awarded to servicemen who became ill or were wounded while serving in a theatre of war or at home.

Territorial Force War Medal was awarded to servicemen who were members of the Territorial Force either on or before 30th September 1914 and who served in an operational theatre abroad between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918.

Note: A person who received any of the variants of the Stars could not be awarded the Territorial Force War Medal. 

“Mentioned in Despatches” was an award for commendable service or bravery. Despatches were official reports that detailed military operations. These reports were published in the London Gazette. Servicemen who had performed noteworthy actions were often mentioned in these reports, therefore having been “Mentioned in Despatches.”

The Reuniting of the Crew of RAF Lancaster NN775 - Flying Officer H G S Kerr, Belfast Banking Company Official

CWGC War Cemetery, Heverlee, Belgium - 1 grave with 7 headstones

RAF Lancaster NN775 was piloted by Belfast Banking Company official, Flying Officer Gordon Kerr, a native of Lurgan.

Just over 75 years ago, NN775 was lost over Belgium on 5th March 1945.

History Hub Ulster Chair Gavin Bamford visited Belgium in November 2016 and watched the excavation of Lancaster NN775 on behalf of the Northern Bank War Memorials website

This short video tells the story of NN775 and its crew of seven.

Wreaths at the crash site during the excavation of NN775

Neill, Sydney Kirk

Belfast Telegraph, 22nd February 1943
Courtesy of Nigel Henderson

Lt Col Sydney Kirk Neill OBE

Neill was probably born around 1920 to Francis Seymour Neill and Matilda Millar Neill.

The 1911 Irish Census records two brothers: Francis Robert (8) and Joseph McFerran Neill (5) living in house 3, Chester Avenue, Templecorran, Whitehead (Tea buyer) with their parents. The house was known as 'Chesterfield'. A servant, Margaret Bell also live din the house.

Neill probably joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1938/1939. He served in Head Office, 2 Waring Street, Belfast. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

Following the outbreak of war, Sydney Neill joined the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC). The London Gazette (1941) records a Captain (temporary Major) S K Neill with Service Number 107098.

Neill was 'Mentioned' (in Despatches) in December 1941.

The Belfast Telegraph dated 4th March 1941 reports the Chairman of the Whitehead District Council congratulating Capt S K Neill (RAOC) on his promotion to Major.

The following document records the action that led to a recommendation for an award. The OBE was eventually awarded.

The London Gazette (18th February 1943) records Major (Temp Lt Col) S K Neill as being appointed to be Additional Officer of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). See Update below and photo at top of page (Belfast Telegraph, 22nd February 1943, via Nigel Henderson).

Neill died on 3rd July 1956. Probate was granted on 23rd January 1957 to Nora Florence Neill.

Francis Robert Neill (brother) is recorded by Belfast City Council as being buried in Roselawn Cemetery. He was aged 67 when he died on 18th December 1969 and pre-deceased his wife, Evelyn Constance Kathleen Neill who died on 21st September 1991. Francis' address was Flat C, 33 Windsor Park, Belfast.


Update 14th April 2016

Can anyone help with this query received today.  Email me at gavinbamford@btinternet.com

Good afternoon,

I recently came across your website and found an entry for Lt Col S K Neill. ........  My father served under Col Neill in the Western Desert and at Tobruk. Dad was an Ammunition Examiner and obviously impressed Col Neill who mentioned him several times in the War Diaries for Tobruk and wrote a very complimentary Testimonial for him after he was invalided out of the Army. As I am now attempting to write an account of Dad’s military career, I am endeavouring to find sources of information and would like to find out if Col Neill kept a private Diary.

Update 31st August 2016

I received the following information from Dom Neill who is Lt. Col. Neill's grandson. He writes in relation to the commendation for the OBE:

“Lt.-Col. Neill, 8 B.A.D., Commanding 8 B.A.D. is also responsible for the protection of TURA Zone in 17 Area wherein lie the greater portion of the ammunition and technical reserves for the Army and R.A.F. in the Middle East.

He was called on to organise his various units into a defensive force against attack, sabotage and fire.

Col. Neill showed exceptional skill and devotion to duty in effecting these measures. On 25th July 1942 he displayed gallantry and leadership of a high order when an explosion occurred in a laboratory in an Ammunition Park. In spite of flying fragments of shell and constant exploding ammunition caused by a large fire he organised rescue and fire fighting parties with a complete disregard for his personal safety. By his efforts several men and much material were saved.”

signed 1st January 1943 by Lt. Gen. Robert Stone and Brigadier J. I. Chrystall, and others unknown.

Anderson, Paris Newton

Lieutenant Paris Newton Anderson

Anderson was born at West Derby, England on 13th January 1920 to A Newton Anderson and Mrs Anderson nee Costine.

Education was at Campbell College. The LennonWylie website reports:

2585. *Anderson, Paris Newton (D), b. 13th January, 1920, son of A. Newton Anderson (239), Gezina, Downshire Road, Cregagh, Belfast.  L.VI, July, 1937.  Shaftesbury House Tutorial College, 1937-38; Q.U.B.: 1947-54. 1940-47: Lieut. (S), R.N.V.R.  Assistant Secretary to the Queen's University of Belfast. Address: 42 Bristow Park, Upper Malone, Belfast. (M.q.)

Anderson joined Northern Bank on 1st May 1939 at Head Office. His address was recorded as ‘Gezina’, 35 Downshire Road, Cregagh, Belfast.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Anderson later joined the Royal Navy Executing Branch and was called up on 26th August 1940 attaining the ranks of Temporary Pay Sub Lieutenant (RNVR) and then a Paymaster Lieutenant (RNVR). He remained on the Navy List until at least 1960.

Anderson married Miss D C Taylor (?) of Lisburn on 15th January 1945.

On 28th April 1947, he resumed duty from Active Service in Head Office. A transfer to Donegall Square on Relief duty followed. 

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Anderson resigned in 1947 to become the Assistant Secretary, Queen’s University, Belfast.

He died aged 80 on 23rd June 2000 and was cremated at Kent, England.

An election website records the following family members:

Commander Albert Wesley Anderson, son of Robert Newton Anderson (see below). Born in Londonderry, 23rd July 1907. Educated at Foyle College, Rydal School, and Nottingham University. Company Director. Commander in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Member of Londonderry City Council until 1969. Lord Mayor of Londonderry (and ex officio Member of the Senate) from 1963 to 1968. An Ulster Unionist member.  Member for City of Londonderry from the byelection of 16th May 1968 until the prorogation of the Parliament in 1972. Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs from 26th October 1971 until 1972. Died 1981.

Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Newton Anderson, director of a hosiery manufacturer. Born 8th December 1871. Educated privately, and at Foyle College. Member of Londonderry City Council. Lord Mayor of Londonderry from 1915 to 1919. Deputy Lieutenant for County Londonderry. Member of the Irish Convention from 1917 to 1918. KBE 1918. Member of Derry Bridge Commissioners. An Ulster Unionist member. Sat for Londonderry from the 1921 general election until the 1929 general
election, when he retired. PC (NI) 1927. Died 1937.

Blair, Thomas James

Flight Sergeant Thomas James Blair

Blair was born at Ballylutagh, Coleraine on 29th December 1886 to John Blair, Farmer and Martha Blair nee Barr. The Northern Bank staff ledger records his birth as 17th November 1886.  

In 1901 Blair (14) was living in house 7, Ballyintagh, Drumcroon, Co. Londonderry with his parents and brother, Robert (9). An aunt, Jane Blair is also living in the house.

Blair joined Northern Bank on 15th January 1903 at Head Office. Transfers followed to Bray (1903 - Junior), Londonderry (1906 - Junior), Head Office (1909), Ballymena (1910 - Accountant), Dungloe (1912 - Cashier) and Head Office (1912 - Accountants Room).  

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

Northern Bank, Ballymena branch

By 1911, Blair is boarding with the White family (sisters Anne & Grace) in house 9, Clonavon Terrace, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. His occupation is recorded as an Accountant, Northern Bank.

Blair (aged 29) was based in Head office when he enlisted on (attested) 9th September 1915 as an Airman (2) in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) with Service Number 8537. The Northern Bank staff record card records the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).

Promotion to Airman (1), Corporal, Acting Sergeant, Sergeant and Sergeant Clerk followed.

RAF Service Record - T J Blair

On 1st July 1916 Blair married Miss Ida F Hunter, Clifton Drive, Belfast at Farnham, Surrey, England. Their first child, Ronald Higginbotham Blair was born on 1st October 1918.

Blair served with Coastal Defence; Defence of London; British Expeditionary Force and was later promoted to Flight Sergeant. He saw action at Messines 1917 and Ypres 1917.  

He was demobilised 17th February 1919 to the Class Z Reserve and was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. His address on discharge was recorded as 31 Clifton Drive, Belfast.

Following demobilisation, Blair re-joined the Northern Bank on 10th February 1919 when he was transferred to Shaftesbury Square as its Accountant.

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast branch

In 1921 he was transferred to Strokestown as Manager and served there during the period of the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War. 

The Belfast News-Letter of 21st December 1927 reported the birth at the Somerset Nursing Home on 15th December 1927 of a a son to Mr & Mrs T J Blair, Northern Bank, Strokestown.

The Roscommon Messenger of 12th May 1928 reported on his transfer from Strokestown to Portadown:

More transfers followed with Portadown (1928 - Manager), Newry (1937 - Manager) and Londonderry (1941 - Manager). He is also recorded as applying for Dromore branch in 1923.  

Northern Bank, Portadown branch (white 3 story & attic building)

Northern Bank, Newry branch

Thomas Blair retired on 6th November 1946 and died on 25th June 1951 aged 64.

Taylor, William Alexander - Accidental Death in Northern Bank, 14 Donegall Square West, Belfast

William Alexander Taylor

Taylor was the step-father of Herbert John Blythe, Northern Bank official who served during the Great War.

I was undertaking research on Herbert Blythe and discovered that his mother had married William Taylor following the premature death of Henry's father, George Blythe. By coincidence, William Taylor was a manager in Northern Bank, Banbridge and lived in the managers house above the branch at house 1, Bridge Street, Banbridge (Irish Census, 1901).

William Taylor was later transferred to the Northern Bank's main city centre branch at Donegall Square, Belfast.

Northern Bank, 14 Donegall Square West, Belfast
- Managers accommodation was at the top of the building

Taylor was not present in the 1911 Irish Census. His family were living in house 54 Botanic Avenue, Cromac, Belfast. I wanted to find out where William Taylor was on census day, April 1911.

Subsequently I found the Death Registration for Taylor that recorded that on 3rd September 1910, William Alexander Taylor, aged 50, died at 14 Donegall Square West, Belfast from 'fracture of skull and laceration of brain' by 'accidentally fell down the shaft of a lift'.

Death Registration of William Taylor

Further investigation using the excellent archives of British Newspaper Archive uncovered the story of the accidental death of Taylor.

On Monday, 5th September 1910 this death notice was published in the Northern Whig:

"TAYLOR - September 3rd. at the Northern Bank, Donegal! Square, Belfast, William Alexander Taylor, son of the late Dr. William Taylor, of Articlave, Londonderry. Funeral strictly private. No flower's by request."

The Belfast News-Letter of the same date reported:

SAD FATALITY IN BELFAST. 

Bank Manager's Tragic Death. 

"We regret announce the death of Mr. William Alexander Taylor, manager of the Donegall Square West Branch of the Northern Bank which occurred under painfully sad and tragic circumstances on Saturday night.

Mr. Taylor, along with his family, resided on the premises, and it appears that about a quarter to ten he was in his sitting room, which is situated on the third floor, when one of his daughters went in to him and told him there was a fire somewhere at the rare of the bank. The deceased had only come into the house about quarter of an hour before, and had then gone to his apartments means of the lift. In the meantime the lift had been taken to the fourth floor, but Mr. Taylor was not aware of this, and as soon as his daughter raised the alarm of fire he started to make an investigation. Rushing to the landing, opened the door of lift and stepped out. and before he could realise his mistake he had been precipitated down the well on to the ground below. The members of his family who were present when left the sitting-room heard him make an exclamation, and hurrying downstairs they were shocked to find him lying unconscious the bottom of the well through which the lift moves.

Dr. B. Mitchell, of University Square, was promptly summoned, and arrived with the utmost haste. but all could do was pronounce life extinct. The deceased had fractured his skull result of the fall, and death had been almost instantaneous. has not been ascertained where the fire to which Miss Taylor referred occurred, but is presumed that there had been a slight outbreak - possibly caused by children - in the immediate neighbourhood the bank premises, and that this had caused her to become alarmed.

The deceased, who was 49 years of age was well known in the city, through his connection with the Northern Banking Company, in whose service had been for the lengthened period 33 years, and his untimely death under such peculiarly pathetic circumstances will very widely and sincerely regretted. He was held in high esteem the directors of the bank, and his courtesy and urbanity had earned for him the respect and confidence all with whom he came in contact both in commercial and social circles.

He was appointed manager of the Donegall Square West branch only about three years ago, after having for nine years acted in a similar capacity at the Banbridge branch, and previous to that had occupied the position of inspector. His promotion to the charge of the important branch Donegall Square West was the reward of many years efficient and faithful service, and the time it afforded intense satisfaction to his numerous friends.

Personally, Mr. Taylor was one of the most kindly and genial of men. A son of the late Dr. William Taylor, the deceased was native of Articlave, County Derry, but the greater part of his business career had been spent in other parts of Ulster. He was a member of the Church of Ireland, worshipping at the cathedral in Donegall Street. leaves a widow, one son and two daughters, and with them in the irreparable loss which they have them in the irreparable loss which they have sustained profound sympathy will felt.

The facts of the accident were yesterday communicated to the City Coroner (Dr. James Graham), who will hold inquest in the Old Recorder’s Court, Townhall Street, three o’clock this afternoon."

The story continued in other papers throughout the province. Following the inquest, the newspapers reported in great detail about the fore and the subsequent accident. The Northern Whig dated 6th September reported:

Northern Whig, 6th September 1910

The Belfast Weekly News dated 8th September 1910 reported the following:

Belfast Weekly News, 8th September 1910

Blythe, Herbert John

Lieutenant Herbert John Blythe

Blythe was born at Market Street, Downpatrick on 17th September 1887 to George Blythe, Hotel Keeper and Elise Corrine Blythe nee Fayre. George and Elise had married on 20th October 1886 in Dublin.

George Blythe died on 10th April 1893 at Market Street, Downpatrick aged 40.

On 5th September 1896 Elise Blythe alias De Villairs, widow married William Alexander Taylor, Bank Manager (Northern Bank).

In 1901 William and Elise were living in house 1, Bridge Street, Banbridge. This was the managers house of Northern Bank, Banbridge. Their children; Nora Elise Eveline Taylor (3) and Cyril William Taylor (2); Gladys Helen Blythe (step-daughter, 11), Rose Downey, servant and Helene Pauline Crawley, visitor were also in the house.

Northern Bank (and managers house), 1 Bridge Street, Banbridge

Herbert Blythe was boarding in house 3.2 Raphoe Demesne, Co. Donegal. This was the boarding department of Royal School, Raphoe.

Blythe joined Northern Bank on 24th May 1904 at Head Office. At that time his address was Northern Bank, Banbridge. His step-father William Taylor was manager there.

Transfers followed with Newry (1904 - Cashier), Ballymena (1907 - Cashier), Grafton Street (1908 - Pro-Manager), Head Office (1910 - Relief) and Carrickfergus (1912 - Cashier ).  

Northern Bank, Newry branch

Northern Bank, Ballymena branch

Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin branch

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

On 3rd September 1910, William Alexander Taylor, (step-father of Blythe ) aged 50, died at 14 Donegall Square West, Belfast from 'fracture of skull and laceration of brain' by 'accidentally fell down the shaft of a lift'.

Death Registration for William Alexander Taylor, Bank Manager
 at 14 Donegall Square West, Belfast

In 1911, Blythe is living in house 54 Botanic Avenue, Cromac, Belfast with his mother, Elise Corrine Taylor (widow) and his step-siblings; Norah Elise Taylor, Cyril William Taylor and Muriel Maud Taylor.  Russell Jones, boarder and Sarah Rooney, servant are also in the house. Herbert's occupation is recorded as a Bank Official.

Blythe played golf in the first Northern Bank golf outing on 21st March 1913 at Dunmurry:

Photo courtesy of LennonWylie

On 30th November 1915, Blythe (28) volunteered and enlisted as a Trooper into the North Irish Horse. He later transferred as a Private into the 1st Bn. Royal Irish Rifles with Service Number 40857. A later promotion to 2nd Lieutenant and then to Lieutenant. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from November 1916.

H J Blythe - Medal Index Card 

Blythe was later seconded into the Camel Corps. He  saw action at Gaza; Heriera and Bathsheba and Jericho (Jordan Valley).

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

H J Blythe - Medal Roll 

Following demobilisation, Blythe re-joined the Northern Bank in Head Office on 1st August 1919. Transfers followed to Lurgan (1919 - Cashier), Grafton Street (1922 - Pro-Manager) and Head Office (1930). Whilst in Head Office he was promoted to Manager, Foreign Department (1930), Assistant Chief Cashier (1940) and then Chief Cashier (1941).

Northern Bank, Lurgan branch

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (August 1981)’ contains a photograph of Blythe in a 1913 Northern Bank Staff Golf outing.