Forde, James Elliott

Lieutenant Theophilus James Elliott Forde CBE DL (known as Elliott)

Forde was born on 19th May 1890 in Hilltown, Co. Down the son of Rev. Robert Forde and Elizabeth Jane Forde nee Elliott. They had married on 3rd June 1885 at Clonduff Church of Ireland, Newry.

In 1901 Forde (10 - as per census form) lived in house 91, Dundrum, Co. Down with his parents and 2 siblings; Muriel (12) and Robert (7). In the house there was also Clarice Hayden (governess), Agnes Stevenson (servant), Patrick O'Hare (servant), and Charlotte Teggart (visitor).

The Lennonwylie website records Forde as being educated at Campbell College:

852. Forde, James Theophilus Elliott, b. 19th May, 1890, son of Rev. Robert Forde, Dundrum Rectory, Co. Down.  Brother of 970. IV, July, 1906.  Great War: Lieut., N.I.H. and Machine Gun Corps. Chairman, Northern Bank Ltd.  Address: 34 Wellington Park, Belfast. (M.q.)

An advertisement in the Belfast News Letter of 8th August 1908 advised that Forde had won a clerkship to Northern Bank:

Belfast News Letter, 8th August 1908

On obtaining this clerkship, Forde joined Northern Bank on 24th March 1909 in Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Virginia (1909 - Junior), Head Office (1909 - Junior) and Grafton Street (1909 - Junior).  

Northern Bank, Virginia branch

Former Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin

In 1911, Forde is boarding in house 8, Woodville, Sandford, Rathmines & Rathgar East, Dublin. He is described as a Bank Clerk. 

On 24th December 1915, aged 25, Forde volunteered and enlisted into the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps (OTC) as a Private. He was gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant with the Res Regiment of Hussars, transferred as a 2nd Lieutenant into the North Irish Horse, served with the British Expeditionary Force and seconded into the Machine-Gun Corps before re-transferring into the North Irish Horse. 

Medal Index Card - Lt T J E Forde

His address on the Medal Index Card is recorded as c/o Northern Banking Company, Coleraine, N. Ireland. 

On 21st May 1917 the Belfast News Letter reported that Mr. T. J. E. Forde, elder son of the Rev. R. Forde, Dundrum has being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the reserve regiment of Hussars. 

He was later promoted to Lieutenant.

Action was seen in the Allied Retreat 1918, the Allied Advance 1918 before being demobilised in March 1919. Forde was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. 

Medal Roll - Lt T J E Forde

On 23rd January 1919 the Belfast News Letter reported that T J E Forde ceases to be employed with the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) from 18th December 1918 (North Irish Horse, Special Reserve).

Following demobilisation, Forde re-joined the Northern Bank at Ball’s Branch, Dublin. Further transfers followed to Grafton Street (1919 - Donnybrook sub-office ), Coleraine (1921 - Sub-Manager), Grafton Street (1925 - Sub-Manager, Joint Manager) and Donegall Square (1928 - Manager). 

Former Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

Northern Bank, Donegall Square

In 1930 J Elliot Forde was a member of the Select Vestry of St. Thomas's Church.

The Rev. Robert Forde (aged 78) died at his son's residence, 34 Wellington Park, Belfast on 11th July 1935.

Forde was appointed as a Director of Northern Bank on 1st February 1943 to replace Mr A P Tibbey after 54 years of service to the bank. 

J E Forde was Chairman of the Save the Children Fund.

Belfast News Letter, 5th October 1955

He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Years Honours list of 1956. His wife, Elizabeth Forde died on 6th February 1959. In 1961 J Elliott Forde was made a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) of Belfast. Forde was later to be appointed Chairman. 

He retired on 17th January 1964. His death was reported in the Belfast Telegraph on 13th January 1977.

Fitzsimons, Charles Kevin

Private Charles Kevin Fitzsimons or Fitzsimmons (known as Kevin)

Fitzsimons was born on 9th November 1890 at 80 Hill Street, Newry to James Fitzsimmons and Elizabeth Fitzsimmons nee Keegan. His birth was registered as Charles Edward Fitzsimons and the bank staff records show him as 'known as Kevin'. His parents had married on 28th November 1882 at the North City Roman Catholic Cathedral, Dublin.

Fitzsimons joined Northern Bank on 10th June 1909 at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

In 1909 Fitzsimons was transferred to Mohill branch.

Northern Bank, Mohill branch

By 1911, Fitzsimons is boarding in house 58, Main Street, Mohill with a colleague, William Harris Boyd (27). Fitzsimons is described as a Bank Clerk and William Harris, a Bank Cashier.

Later transfers took Kevin to Ballycastle (1912) and Shercock (1914).  

Northern Bank Ballycastle branch

On 11th July 1912 the Ballymoney Free Press and Northern Counties Advertiser reports C K Fitzsimons as a competitor in the Ballycastle Regatta and Sports Day.

Former Northern Bank, Shercock branch

On 6th October 1914 (aged 23), whilst based in Shercock branch, Fitzsimons enlisted into the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) as a Private with Service Number 42865.  

Medal Index Card - Pte C K Fitzsimons

Fitzsimons served with the British Expeditionary Force in France and saw further action during the Suvla Bay landings at Gallipoli and in Salonika.  

On 18th November 1915 the Ballymoney Free Press and Northern Counties Advertiser published a letter from the 'Front'. Kevin wrote about his service with the 32nd Field Artillery, RAMC in the Mediterranean and the Dardanelles.

'Letter from the Front' by C K Fitzsimons

Later he transferred to the 2nd Bn. Princess Victoria's (Royal Irish Fusiliers) with Service Number 52066. Further action was seen in Suvla Bay, Serbian Retreat, Struma Valley, Gaza and Nablus (Palestine).

On 25th May 1916 the Ballymoney Free Press and Northern Counties Advertiser has an article with a personal letter from C K Fitzsimons entitled a 'Letter from the Balkans'

'Letter from the Balkans' by C K Fitzsimons

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

Medal Rolls - Pte C K Fitzsimons

He was demobilised in 1919 and re-joined the Northern Bank on 23rd April 1919 at Shercock as Cashier. 

Transfers followed to Ballycastle (1919 - Accountant, Cashier), Shercock (1921 - Manager). Further transfers followed with Dowra (1921 - In charge), Skerries (1925 - Cashier), Head Office (1925), Oldcastle (1934 - Sub-Manager) and Head Office (1935 - Ledgers, No. 3 Teller, Sort).

Northern Bank, Oldcastle branch (branded as National Irish Bank)

Retirement came on 30th June 1941. 

Fitzsimons died on 10th March 1953 aged 62. A family member has advised that he is buried in Wandsworth Cemetery, London.

Fitzsimons was commemorated in a Gallipoli Centenary event at the Northern Banking Company exhibit, Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra in April 2015. Video of the event here.

Photographs courtesy of History Hub Ulster

Ervin, Wilson

Picture courtesy of the Belfast News Letter

Wilson Ervin CBE

Ervin was born on 13th December 1923 [Belfast News Letter quotes 13th November 1923] to Robert John Ervin, 32 Lucerne Parade, Belfast. 

Ervin attended Stranmillis and Fane Street Primary Schools before moving on to RBAI (Inst.) from 1936 to 1941.

In an autobiographical article in ‘The Link’ he reflected on his teenage years during World War II:

“I was very anxious to get out there and try and do my bit but my father was keen that I should look for a good job to which I could return after War Service.” 

Ervin joined the Belfast Banking Company on 15th April 1942 at Dungannon branch.  

Belfast Bank, Dungannon branch

His father, Robert signed the Bankers Guarantee for him giving his address as 32 Lucerne Parade, Belfast.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Ervin says:

“It’s difficult to imagine I was only paid £90 a year and still had spending money after buying a new suit and paying for my return train fares to Belfast.” 

Ervin joined the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and served 4 years. He served in home waters as well as all over the world ... to South Africa, the Far East, Ceylon, Burma and Australia. His 21st birthday was spent in the Indian Ocean.

He returned from Active Service on 22nd August 1946 when his address was recorded as 32 Lucerne Parade, Belfast.  His first branch after the war was Bangor and he arrived with what his manager thought was 5 years banking experience. The bank looked upon his 4 years Royal Navy service as ‘Banking Service’.  

Belfast Bank Bangor branch

Ervin was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club in March 1947 paying 5 shillings subscription. 

It was in Bangor that he met his future wife, Joan Mercer, who was also a bank official.  

He is recorded in the 1966 annual accounts of the Belfast Banking Company as being the assistant manager of Donegall Square North branch. Transfers followed to positions in Head Office, Inspection Staff, Advances Controller, Regional Director and Managing Director (1972). 

Ervin had the distinction of signing the 1981 series Norther Bank banknotes.

Photo courtesy of Worthpoint

Later he was appointed Chief Executive and Senior Managing Director, a position he held until his retirement in 1984.

He was appointed as a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). 

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Summer 1973)’ contains 2 photographs of Wilson. 

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Summer 1984)’ contains a photograph of W Ervin in the Belfast Bank Cricket Team of 1947. 

Courtesy of 'The Link'

Wilson Ervin attending the 1974 Ex-Servicemen's Association dinner

Ervin attended the 2000 re-dedication ceremony of the Rolls of Honour.

The Belfast Telegraph dated 24th February 2015 published a death notice saying that Wilson Ervin had died on 22nd February 2015. A Service of Thanksgiving was held on 25th February 2015 at Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Malone Road, Belfast.

Wilson Ervin's obituary features in the Belfast News Letter of 1st June 2015.

Clarke, David Victor

Victor Clarke - family photograph
(courtesy of Alastair Clarke)

At home with David Victor Clarke

Via Esquire Magazine

and

- Esquire Magazine]

Major D V Clarke TD, KStJ at an event at Belfast Cenotaph - 02/11/2015

- photo Mark Brown

Major David Victor Clarke TD, KStJ

Clarke was born on 27th February 1924 at Milltown, Donacloney, Lurgan.  

Following his education at Cookstown High School and Omagh Academy, Clarke joined the Omagh Home Guard in June 1940 (whilst underage and still at school). In September 1940 with the creation of an Air Training Flight at his school he joined and became their first Flight Sergeant. 

On 2nd May 1942 Clarke joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address was ‘Stathroy’, Omagh. A transfer to Broadway, Ballymena followed in 1943.  

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Ballymena branch

On 3rd November 1943 he volunteered for aircrew duties in the Royal Air Force. 

Clarke resigned from the bank on 18th December 1943 when he was ‘Called up’ – RAF. 

Aircrew Reception Centre, St John’s Wood London, with the Doodle Bugs and V2 rockets gave him his baptism of enemy fire, but after a few weeks he was posted to No. 2 Initial Training Wing at St John’s College, Cambridge for a three month course. Flying aptitude tests followed at RAF Sywell in Cambridgeshire, flying Tiger Moth bi-plane aircraft, and passing for training as a fighter pilot.  Service on several airfields followed, mainly loading bombers with their varied loads for attacks on Germany, and in February 1945 he was posted to Southern Rhodesia for training, via the circuitous route of Atlantic/Mediterranean/Suez Canal/Red Sea and Indian Ocean, landing at Mombasa, Kenya for a short stay then by small coaster to Durban and finally by train to Gwelo, Southern Rhodesia. Training began on Fairchild Cornell aircraft, graduating to the Harvard from which Cadets graduated (hopefully) with their coveted wings, but with the war ending in August 1945 he did not gain these. 

Clarke was awarded the Defence Medal and War Medal. 

Repatriated through Cape Town and discharged on 10th May 1946 he re-joined Northern Bank at Head Office on 1st May 1946. Transfers followed to Shankill Road (1946 - Junior), Downpatrick (1948 - Junior & Accountant), Head Office (1949), Holywood (1951 - Accountant), Donegall Square (1956 - Control Clerk), Holywood (1958 - Teller), Head Office (1960 - Paying Teller), Holywood (1961 - Manager), Head Office (1964 - Assistant Manager), Ballynafeigh (1967 - Assistant Manager & Manager) and Bangor (1983 - Manager). Clarke also records a period of time in Training School and on the Inspection staff.  

Northern Bank, Shankill Road branch

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

Northern Bank, Holywood (at lamp post)

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Northern Bank, Ballynafeigh branch

Northern Bank, Bangor branch (1984)

On 11th March 1948 Clarke wrote to the Bank and requested permission to join the Territorial Army (TA). This was given and on 23rd March 1948 he joined the TA as a Gunner in 429 (Antrim) Coast Regiment RA (TA). He was commissioned on 1 April 1949 with Service Number 402421, promoted Captain in 1952 and Major, as Battery Commander in 1955. The Regiment converted to Royal Engineers in 1956, becoming 146 Corps Engineer Regiment (Antrim Artillery) RE (TA), and he retired in 1962 as Second in Command. He was awarded the Territorial Decoration to add to his WW2 medals. 

On retirement from the Bank in 1983, Clarke volunteered for service with the St. John Ambulance Association – Northern Ireland, as Director of First Aid Training for business and the general public.  This was part of St John Ambulance – Northern Ireland, a Foundation of the Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. He was invested as an Officer Brother in 1985, created a Commander Brother in 1990, promoted to Commander of St John Ambulance in 1992 and retiring on age in 1996. He remained on the Chapter (governing body) of The Commandery of Ards (responsible for Order affairs within Northern Ireland) and, in 1997, he was honoured with a further promotion within the Order to become a Knight of Grace, as position still held at time of writing (2011). 

An article and photograph about Clarke appeared in the Staff Magazine ‘The Link’ (Summer 1981). Unfortunately I do not have that copy.

Victor Clarke retired on 23rd September 1983. The event was recorded in the Staff Magazine ‘The Link’ (Winter 1983). 

Retirement party for Victor Clarke

Courtesy of 'The Link' - Winter 1983

Clarke entered his 101st year on 27th February 2024 and continues to be active with the Northern Bank Golf Society and Malone Golf Club. He is considered by the writer to be the last surviving Northern Bank staff member with war service.

Belfast Telegraph - 26th February 2024

Clarke recently met with Dame Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle DBE DStJ DDL (Hon QUB), Lord Lieutenant for Belfast. 

He was also invited into Northern bank Head Office as part of the Northern Bank 200th anniversary celebrations.

Spence, Arthur Leonard

Squadron Leader Arthur Leonard Spence DFC (known as Artie)

Spence was born in Donegal at 19:05 hrs on 25th February 1908, a twin to his elder brother by 6 minutes, Herbert Campbell Spence. Arthur was the son of Andrew Spence, Secretary of a Railway Company [Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway] and Lily Spence nee Wheeler.  

A wider family member has advised that he was known as Artie.

In 1911 Spence (3) was living in house 7, Figary, Fahan, Co. Donegal with his parents and 7 siblings; Dorothy Gertrude (11), Stuart Andrew (10), Kathleen Lilian (8), Muriel Constance (6), Edith Helena (4), Herbert Campbell (3) and John Walter (1). A governess, Marguerite Bumesnil (or servant aged 14) and a servant Mary Rodden were also staying in the house.

On 1st September 1925 Spence joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address at that time was recorded by the bank as 4 Queen Street, Londonderry.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Londonderry (1925 - Junior), Head Office (1931 - Exchange), Carrickfergus (1933 - Junior) and Head Office (1937 - Relief Staff).  

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

On 2nd May 1939 Spence volunteered and enlisted into the RAF Volunteer Reserve. He was ‘Called up on Active Service’ on 2nd September 1939 with Service Number 81694. 

He returned to work from 5th October 1939 to 26th October 1939, reason unknown.

His rank and promotions were Leading Aircraftman, Pilot Officer, Flying Officer, Flight Lieutenant (1941) and Squadron Leader followed in 1943. 

Spence was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1941 gazetted on 23rd September 1941.

London Gazette, 23rd September 1941 - Acting F/L A L Spence

The news of his award was syndicated amongst local newspapers:

Belfast Telegraph, 20th September 1940

Belfast News Letter, 20th September 1940

Londonderry Sentinel, 23rd September 1940

Ballymena Weekly Telegraph, 27th September 1940

On 14th March 1942 the Belfast Newsletter reported that the marriage of A L Spence to Alice Madeleine Irwin will take place in April at St Peters Church, Belfast. The wedding took place on 29th April 1942 and was reported in the Belfast Telegraph of the same date.

Belfast Telegraph 29th April 1942

Val Kerr, a family member posted this cartoon on the Facebook page:

On 19th November 1945 Spence resumed duty with the Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Royal Avenue (1948 - Teller), Knock (1951 - Cashier), Head Office (1951 - Interim Manager), Lurgan (1958 - Manager), Head Office (1954 - Manager), Queen’s Square (1967 - Manager) and Dublin Regional Director (1971). 

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch

Northern Bank, Lurgan branch

A 'Welcome Home' dinner was held on 29th April 1947 by members of the CIYMS at Clarence Place Hall, Belfast.

Belfast Telegraph - 29th April 1947

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Spring 1971)’ contains a Profile and photograph (above) of Artie Spence. 

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link’ (Spring 1973) records Artie Spence as retiring as Dublin Regional Director on 28th February 1973. 

Squadron Leader Arthur Spence DFC RAF(VR) died on 18th January 1981.