Roll of Honour - February

It is with much sadness that the following bank officials died or were reported missing during either the Great War, World War II or the Northern Ireland Conflict.

08/02/1944 - Anderson, Norman Alexander - updated

12/02/1918 - Collier, Reginald John C - updated

McCune, Charles Knox

3rd Radio Officer Charles Knox McCune 

McCune was born at Shore Street, Belfast on 8th July 1920 to Robert Eaton McCune, Merchant and Mary McCune nee Knox. They had married on 11th September 1912 at College Street South Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

The 1901 Irish Census records a Robert E McCune (29) as residing in house 39, Shore Road, Duncairn Ward, Belfast. Robert married Mary Knox on 11th September 1912 at the Congregational Buildings, College Street South, Belfast.

Following his education, Charles joined the Belfast Banking Company and is recorded as working in Portaferry branch. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee for him giving his address as Cloughfern, Whiteabbey. 

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Portaferry branch 
(acknowledged to J Miller Collection)

Charles volunteered and enlisted into the Merchant Navy as a 3rd Radio Officer and was serving on the cargo vessel, SS Lalande (Liverpool).

S S Lalande

Charles was killed in action on 14th November 1942. The details of the attack by a U-Boat is in this website.

His death is noted in this newspaper image:

Image courtesy of Nigel Henderson

The Merchant Navy record card records his death by drowning and his rank as 3rd Radio Officer.

Merchant Seaman's Death - via Ancestry

He is remembered on the Shipping & Seaman's Roll of Honour:

Shipping & Seaman's Roll of Honour

The PRONI Wills databases records: "McCune, Charles Knox, Cloughfern, Whiteabbey, County Antrim. Radio Officer died 14th November 1942 at sea. Administration, Belfast 21st October to Robert Eaton McCune merchant. Effects £136 18s. 10d."

McCune is remembered on the Radio Officers website. This website records McCune's death as:

"The steamer was so badly damaged by enemy air attacks off the North African coast that she had to be withdrawn from service. It is assumed the above officer died during such air attacks. Six other members of the crew lost their lives."

Belfast Bank War Memorial

Kerr, Walter Craig

Lieutenant Walter Craig Kerr

Kerr was born on 31st January 1943 in Lurgan, Co. Armagh.

 
Kerr joined Northern Bank on 1st November 1960. Transfers followed to Carrickfergus (1960), Fivemiletown (1963), 10 High Street (1965) and Carrickfergus (1967 - Pro Manager from 1972) and Magherafelt (1976 - Sub Manager).

Northern Bank, Fivemiletown branch

Northern Bank, 10 High Street, Belfast branch

In his spare time, Kerr volunteered for service in the locally recruited Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) as a private and was soon promoted to Lance Corporal. Promotion to 2nd Lieutenant came on 29th October 1973 and as Lieutenant on 29th October 1975. His Officer Service Number was 497010.

Kerr was serving with the 9th Bn. Ulster Defence Regiment when he died on 2nd November 1977 aged 34. This was following an incident a few days earlier.

Details of the incident are recorded at the end of this article. GRAPHIC.

He is buried in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website advises that his name will be included on the Armed Forces Memorial in Staffordshire and on the Rolls of Honour that will be kept on public display in the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London.

Walter would have been awarded the (1962) General Service Medal with Northern Ireland clasp and his next of kin would have been eligible to apply for the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll.

At the time of writing (2012 & updated 2021) there is no memorial to Walter Kerr in Northern Bank.

The 'Northern Bank. An illustrated history. 1824-2024' book by Gavin Bamford & Nick Garbutt records his name along with four other murdered officials from the bank.

The '1962 General Service Medal' (pictured below) is the actual medal awarded to the late Lieutenant Robin G Smyrl UDR who was killed on 13th September 1977. A member of his family used to work for Northern Bank. His medal on display at the Somme Heritage Centre, Conlig, Newtownards.

 

Lieutenant Robin G Smyrl UDR 

Obituary from ‘The Link’ (Northern Bank staff magazine)

It is with deep regret that we record the death of Walter Craig Kerr as a result of severe injuries received in a booby-trap explosion at his home in Magherafelt on 2nd November 1977.

Walter entered the service of the bank on 1st November 1960 and served in a number of Branches before being appointed Pro-Manager at Carrickfergus Branch on 1st June 1972 and Sub-Manager at Magherafelt Branch on 1st February 1976. He was a man who showed great dedication and determination in all things he undertook. Those people privileged to know and work with him will appreciate the sad loss to the Bank and the community.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to his sorrowing wife Rosemary and children Gillian and Bryan.

Garvagh Museum now holds a local UDR Roll of Honour. Lt W C Kerr's name is on it.

Lt W C Kerr - UDR Roll of Honour

Service honours UDR man killed in booby trap bomb

Carrickfergus Memorial

The East Antrim Gazette of 13th November 2012 records the 25th anniversary of Kerr's death with:

A member of the Ulster Defence Regiment who was murdered by the IRA 25 years ago was honoured at a memorial service last week. Councillors and representatives from Carrickfergus UDR Regimental Association and former colleagues of Lieutenant Walter Kerr from the Northern Bank attended the service in the garden of remembrance last Tuesday. Mr Kerr, who had lived in the Downshire area, served with the UDR for six years and had worked for the Northern Bank in High Street.  On October 27, 1977 [date appears to be incorrect], the 34-year-old was killed by a booby trap device, which exploded under his car. Dr Sam Grant, Padre for the UDR Regimental Association in Carrickfergus, said, 'People still remember Walter's bravery and courage'. He was a man who made himself available during turbulent times, especially when his country needed him'. A wreath was laid at the foot of the memorial by Sergeant Jacki-Kirkwood Hamil from the Royal Irish Regiment and Agnes Logan, Mr. Kerr's sister. The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman Eric Ferguson, said he was 'pleased to be part of the ceremony that honoured the life of Walter Kerr'. Mr Ferguson said: We are delighted that we are able as a council, to have this plaque made available to remember Walter Kerr. We are happy to re-dedicate this to him and host the proceedings". Mrs Rosemary Kerr, Mr. Kerr's widow, was unable to attend the ceremony, but is expected to visit the town later this year.

Kerr is named on this new memorial placed at Upperlands, Co. Londonderry:

Operation Banner Memorial - 2023

Incident Details - GRAPHIC

Walter Kerr, 34-year-old, married with 2 children, a bank official and a part time member of the UDR holding the rank of Lieutenant was killed by an IRA booby trap bomb that exploded under his car. As Lt. Kerr was leaving his home at Coolshinney Road, Magherafelt on 27 October, the bomb exploded. A few minutes later, his children and a neighbour's child would have been in the car on their way to school. Lt. Kerr died in hospital on 2nd November from the injuries he received. He was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital where doctors fought to save his life.  He suffered severe injuries and both legs had to be amputated. Twelve soldiers from the Royal Tank Regiment almost immediately donated blood to help the lieutenant while another 50 soldiers later were helicoptered to the Mid Ulster Hospital to donate more blood, many of them staying overnight at the hospital in case more blood was needed to be donated. Lt. Kerr's wife was at his side when he died. 

O'Reilly, Patrick James

Bombardier Patrick John O’Reilly

O'Reilly was born to Francis O'Reilly and Mary (Minnie) Anne O'Reilly of Bowelk (Townland), Co. Monaghan. I can find no trace in the Irish Genealogy website of his birth registration as either 1888 (Irish Census) or 1895 (Staff Record Card).

The bank Staff Record Card states of 1911 states his date of birth as 24th March 1895 and his address as Bailieborough.

The 1901 Irish Census records Patrick J O'Reilly (13) living in house 2, Bowelk, Anny, Co. Monaghan with his parents Francis & Mary Anne and his 7 siblings; Edward (16), Catherine J (11), Bridget (8), Francis J (6), Timothy M (4) and Sarah (1). This would give his year of birth as 1888 and does not agree with his bank Staff Record card. The family name is recorded as REILLY.

The 1911 Irish Census records the family living in house 4, Bowelk, Anny, Co. Monaghan. Francis & Minnie and their 8 children; Edward, Catherine, Bridget, Francis, Timothy, Sarah and Laurence.

On 31st January 1912, O'Reilly joined Northern Bank at Oldcastle branch. A transfer to Head Office followed in 1914.

Northern Bank, Oldcastle branch

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

 

In October 1914, O'Reilly volunteered and enlisted at Manchester for the ‘duration of war’ into the 77th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery as a Bombardier with Service Number 63170. He may also have seen service in the Royal Irish Regiment.

P J O'Reilly - Medal Index Card

O'Reilly wrote an informal 'Will' and signed it on 22nd March 1916. He left the 'whole of his property and effects' to his brother, Edward O'Reilly, Bowelk, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, Ireland. This reference to his brother, Edward appears to reconcile the family with the Irish Census records of 1901 and 1911.

3 pages of the 'Informal Will' of P J O'Reilly

Patrick John O'Reilly was serving in 'France and Flanders' when he was Killed in Action on 19th/20th September 1916 aged 21. He is buried in the Couin British Cemetery, France.

CWGC Record for P J O'Reilly

This reference to his parents, Francis and Minnie appears to reconcile the family with the Irish Census records of 1901 and 1911.

Couin British Cemetery, France

CWGC headstone and grave of P J O'Reilly

He was awarded posthumously the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

He is commemorated on 'Ireland's Memorial Records:

Ireland's Memorial Records - J P O'Reilly

McCulloch, Charles Noel

Charles Noel McCulloch was working for Northern Bank in Banbridge branch.

On 20 April 1982, Noel was killed along with a friend in a ‘no warning’ car bomb in the centre of Magherafelt. An inadequate warning had been given. He was a civilian bank employee. A native of Magherafelt, Noel was educated at Rainey Endowed School, where he displayed his sporting talents by being a member of the 1st XI at cricket and the 2nd XV at rugby. He joined the Bank in 1968 and had served in Head Office, Falls, Willowfield, Newtownards and Magherafelt.

At the time of writing (2012 & updated in 2024), there is no memorial to McCulloch in Northern Bank.

The 'Northern Bank. An illustrated history. 1824-2024' book by Gavin Bamford & Nick Garbutt records his name along with four other murdered officials from the bank.

Obituary from ‘The Link’ (Northern Bank staff magazine)

It is with deep regret, sorrow and shock that the many friends and indeed the whole community of Magherafelt, learned of the tragic death of Noel McCulloch in the early hours of Wednesday, 21 April [1982] following a car bomb explosion in his home town a few hours earlier.

Noel had just returned home from a rugby tour with Rainey O.B. in the Bahamas where he was one of the most popular tourists. Although unable to play because of injury, he contributed greatly by his assistance to the team and proved an excellent ambassador for the Club.

He entered the Bank’s service in 1968 and throughout his career Noel displayed the type of qualities that made him so popular throughout his short lifetime; enthusiasm and application always coupled with good humour and thoughtfulness. He won the friendship of so many people and the high esteem in which he was held was borne out by the massive attendance at his funeral by all sections of the community.

Noel will be sadly missed by all who knew him and we extend our deepest sympathy to his mother and to all his family circle.

CAIN - A Chronology of the Conflict

Tuesday 20 April 1982

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) carried out a series of attacks in Northern Ireland.  Wilbert Kennedy (36) and Noel McCulloch (32), both Protestant civilians, were killed in a bomb blast at the Diamond, Magherafelt, County Derry. An inadequate warning had been given. A further 12 people were injured in the attacks. Bombs exploded in Armagh, Ballymena, Belfast, Bessbrook, Londonderry, and Magherafelt, and caused an estimated £1 million pounds in damage.

Nesbitt, John Gordon

John Gordon Nesbitt

Nesbitt was born at Knocknashane, Lurgan on 25th May 1894 to William Nesbitt, Weaver and Mary Ann Nesbitt nee Baxter. His Staff Record card has 26th May 1894 on it. His parents were married on 28th April 1882 at Moira Presbyterian Church. 

In 1901 Nesbitt (6) is living in house 6 Knocknashane, Lurgan with his parents and 6 siblings; Margaret (18), James (17), William (15), Mary (12), Sarah (9) and Annie (4).

On 9th May 1910 Nesbitt joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address is recorded as Randalstown. Transfers followed to Carrickfergus (1911 - Junior), Head Office (1912) and Coleraine (1914 - Accountant & Cashier).

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

The bank Staff Record card records Nesbitt as taking sick leave between 6th January 1911 to 6th April 1911.

In the 2nd April 1911 Irish Census, Nesbitt is living in house 6 Knocknashane, Lurgan with his parents and 5 siblings; Margaret, Mary, Sarah and Annie. Sarah Baxter is recorded as a visitor and Frances John McIlwaine is recorded as a grandson. John's occupation is recorded as a Linen Veiner Mechanic.

The 1924 Northern Bank Centenary Volume records Nesbitt as applying for enlistment but was rejected on the grounds of him having defective vision.

In 1922 Nesbitt married Nina Burrows, Cork.

Transfers continued to Crumlin Road (1922 - Cashier), Head Office (1923), Donegall Square (1923 - Cashier), Limavady (1931 - Cashier), Downpatrick (1933 - Sub Manager) and Boyle (1940 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

Whilst in Limavady, Nesbitt joined the Limavady Recreation Club and participated in their annual Whist Drive ('Belfast Telegraph', 29th October 1931).

The 'Londonderry Sentinel' of 30th September 1950 reported on the marriage of Charles Patrick Nesbitt, only son of Mr and Mrs John Nesbitt, Northern Bank House, Newcastle to Miss Audrey Kerr Davin SRN. Miss Wanda Nesbitt, sister of the groom was one of the bridesmaids in attendance.

The 'Northern Whig' of 30th March 1951 reported on the engagement of Miss Wanda Mora Cecilia Nesbitt to Mr Stanley Kenneth Lockhart of Lisburn.

Nesbitt retired from the bank on pension on 31st March 1955.

PRONI records Nesbitt, John Gordon of 7 Shimna Road, Newcastle, County Down, retired bank manager as dying on 26th April 1961 at Downe Hospital, Downpatrick. Probate Belfast 16th June to Nina Nesbitt the widow. Effects £1953 14s.

The 'Belfast Telegraph'' of 26th August 1976 published an obituary of Major Stanley Kenneth Lockhart and mentioned his widow, Wanda and children, Gordon and Julie.

Mitchel, George Cuthbert

George C Mitchel (Ancestry - David Mitchel)

George Cuthbert Mitchel

Mitchel was born at The Manse, Enniskillen on 12th October 1894 to Samuel Cuthbert Mitchel, Presbyterian Minister and Isabella Mitchel nee Gunning. They were married on 7th May 1884 at Darling Street, Enniskillen Church of Ireland.

In 1901 Mitchel (6) lived in house 6, Drumclay, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh with his parents and 5 siblings; Edgar Gunning (15), Winifred Isabella (13), Frederick David (11), Violet (8) and Victor (3). Two servants, Catherine McCabe and Mary Jane McLesher were also in the property.

Mitchel's mother, Isabella (50) died at Darling Street, Enniskillen on 11th September 1906.

In 1911 Mitchel lived in house 15, Drumclay, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh with his father and his wife, Marie Mitchel and his brother Victor. A servant, Katie Travers was also in the property.

On 10th May 1911 Mitchel joined Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Ball’s Branch (1911) and then Newry (1911).

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Cheque drawn on Ball & Company, Henry Street, Dublin

Northern Bank, Newry branch

Mitchel applied for and was successful in obtaining a position in the Canadian Bank of Commerce. He left Northern on 20th September 1913.

 

On 4th October 1913 Mitchel (18) departed Bristol, England on the 'Royal Edward' for Quebec, Canada with his brother, Victor (16).

'Royal Edward' passenger manifest - G C Mitchel

The 1924 Northern Bank Centenary volume published in 1925 records Mitchel as volunteering for service in the forces but was rejected as being medically unfit with defective vision. This most likely occurred in Canada.

In the 1916 Canadian census, Mitchel is living in house 37 Richill Avenue, Elkhorn, Manitoba, Canada with a bank colleague Alex Smyth.

1916 Canadian Census

On 13th March 1919 Mitchel arrived at Liverpool from New York on board the Cunard ship 'Aquitania'.

'Aquitania' passenger manifest - G C Mitchel

On 2nd July 1919 Mitchel re-joined Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Drumshanbo (1920 - Cash), Head Office (1920) and Bailieborough (1921 - Cash). 

On 9th April 1923 George married Janet King at St. Mary the Virgin, Hunslet, Leeds.

Marriage Registration - G C Mitchel

Further transfers followed to Lurgan (1925 - Cash), Portaferry (1926), Lisburn (1934 - Teller), Ballybay (1936 - Manager) and Portglenone – Manager (1939 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Lurgan branch

Northern Bank, Portaferry

(photo acknowledged to J Miller Collection)

In 1929 he was an official at the Portaferry Lawn Tennis Club (Belfast News-Letter - Thursday 18 April 1929).

G C Mitchell (Ancestry - David Mitchel)

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

Northern Bank, Portglenone branch

In 1940 he was elected as Honorary Treasure of Portglenone Parish Church.

George Mitchel retired on pension on 31st July 1956.

Two brothers, Fred Mitchel and Edgar Mitchel were also employed by the bank.