Callaghan, Richard Marcus

Lieutenant Richard Marcus Callaghan (known as Marcus)

Callaghan was born at Killyquinn on 17th March 1895  to Robert Callaghan, National School Teacher and Mary Jane Callaghan nee Stevenson. The surname on the birth registration is spelt Callaghan. They had married on 3rd May 1894 at St. Michael's Church, Donaghmore.

In 1901 Callaghan (6) was living in house 51, Loughgall Town, Loughgall, Co. Armagh with his parents and 3 siblings, Robert(4), Lillian (2) and Eileen (1). His grandmother, Maria Callaghan, a visitor, Emily Stevenson and a servant, Annie McNeill are also present in the house. 

By 1911 the property was known as house 53, Loughgall Town, Loughgall, Co. Armagh. Callaghan, his parents and 3 siblings Robert, Lillian and Eileen are present in the property.

On 28th September 1912, Callaghan signed the Ulster Covenant at Loughgall giving his address as Royal School, Armagh.

Callaghan would have joined the Belfast Banking Company sometime around 1913 working in Donegal. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee and later on, his wife Gwendoline Iris Callaghan also signed it. He is recorded as working in Banbridge branch.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet.

Belfast Bank, Banbridge branch

Callaghan enlisted into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was later attached to the Royal Army Service Corps. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from May 1917.

Medal Index Card - R M Callaghan

The newspaper 'Northern Whig' dated 24th March 1917 reports Officer Cadet R M Callaghan as being promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. 

The newspaper 'Londonderry Sentinel' dated 10th August 1920 reports Lieutenant R M Callaghan, Special Reserve of Officers, as relinquishing his commission but retaining his rank of Lieutenant.

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Callaghan was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

The 'Belfast News Letter' dated 24th December 1932 records the death at the Hospital for Sick Children of Marcus (their child) on 22nd December 1932. Burial at family burial ground, Loughgall. The family address of Marcus and G Callaghan was 1 Madison Avenue, Belfast.

November 1933 saw a transfer for Callaghan from Head Office to Banbridge.

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

R M Callaghan was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club in March 1948 paying 1 shillings subscription and was recorded as being in Banbridge branch.

Retirement came in 1956 with is death a few years later on 2nd September 1959.

Dougan, Roland Hamill

Cadet Roland Hamill Dougan

Dougan was born at 40 Carlisle Street, Belfast on 19th February 1897 to James Alexander Dugan, bread-server and Susan Dugan nee Hamill. The surname is spelt Dugan on the birth registration with Dougan being crossed out. They had married on 9th October 1895 at Macrory Memorial Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

In 1901 Dougan (4) was living in house 40, Carlisle Street, Court Ward, Belfast with his parents and a brother Earnest (2). Two boarders, William Driscoll and George Auchterlonee (?) were also present in the house.

By 1911 the family had moved to house 9, Albert Terrace, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry. A further 3 siblings were in the house, Delia (9), Kenneth (6) and Lina (3).

On Ulster Day, 28th September 1912, Dougan signed the Ulster Covenant at the Town Hall, Coleraine giving his address as Coleraine.

Dougan would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1914 aged around 17. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as 9 Albert Terrace, Coleraine. At later dates, his mother, brother and one other were recorded in the ledger. Roland is recorded as working in Head Office and Rathfriland branch.

Belfast Bank -  Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

Belfast Bank, Rathfriland branch

On 19th October 1918 Dougan enlisted into the RAF as a Clerk with Service Number 308742. He records his fathers address as 14 Ferryquay Street, Londonderry. 

RAF Airmen Records - R H Dougan - page 1

RAF Airmen Records - R H Dougan - page 2

A month later Dougan was transferred to 247 Squadron RAF. Wikipedia records this about the squadron:

"No. 247 Squadron was first formed in World War I on 20 August 1918 by the amalgamation of No. 336 and 337 Flights of the Royal Naval Air Service. The squadron was equipped with Felixstowe F2A flying boats and its role was reconnaissance and anti-submarine work in the North Sea. With the cessation of hostilities, the squadron was disbanded on 22 January 1919."

Dougan was transferred to RAF Reserves on 21st February 1919. He had served 4 months in the Great War.

The Belfast Bank record his rank as a Cadet on the Roll of Honour picture above. His name is not recorded in the Belfast Bank 'Roll of Honour' booklet.

Dougan died on 8th March 1956. The PRONI Wills Calendar record:

"Dougan Roland Hamill of 64 Downpatrick Street Rathfriland county Down bank official died 8 March 1956 Probate Belfast 15 June to Vera Hamilton Dougan the widow. Effects £2402 3s. 1d."

Glasgow, Ernest Moore

Private Ernest Moore Glasgow

Glasgow was born at Loy, Cookstown on 6th July 1893 to William James Glasgow, Linen Draper and Rebecca Jane Glasgow nee Moore. They were married on 6th April 1891 at Derryloran Parish Church, Cookstown.

In 1901 Glasgow (7) was living in house 36, James’s Street, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone with his parents and brothers, Allan (9) and Henry (4). A boarder, Margaret Patterson (81) and 2 servants, Jane Acheson (82) and Annie Ford (14) were also present in the house.

The Mid-Ulster Mail of 30th July 1910 carried an advertisement the 'Cookstown Academy' that reported Ernest Moore Glasgow had passed his Belfast Bank entrance examination. 

Glasgow would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1911 and is recorded as working in Head Office. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as Post Office, Cookstown.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

In 1911 the parents, Henry (brother) and a servant are living in house house 36, James’s Street, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.

By 1911, Glasgow was boarding with the Coulter family in house 19, Mountcharles Street, Windsor Ward, Belfast. He is one of five boarders. His occupation is recorded as a Bankers Clerk.

On 28th September 1912, Glasgow signed the Ulster Covenant at the City Hall, Belfast giving his address as 19 Mount Charles, Belfast.

Glasgow also worked in Bangor branch.

Belfast Bank, Bangor branch

Glasgow volunteered early in the war but was unable to pass the medical examination. On the second attempt, he enlisted into the Royal Marines Artillery as a Private with Service Number RMA 1446/S. He was sent to Portsmouth for training. 

Glasgow served in France and was awarded the British War Medal.

Royal Marines - Medal Roll - Glasgow E M

A Pension Card was created for Glasgow in March 1916 and is annotated 'No Claim':

Glasgow  died on 21st August 1923 and is buried in the Derryloran Old Graveyard, Cookstown. Probate was granted to his father, William James Glasgow.

This link to Cookstown War Dead gives greater detail about the family and the 3 brothers who served, one being killed in action.

Hamilton, Charles Daniel

Trooper Charles Daniel Hamilton

Hamilton was born at Church Street, Dromore, Co. Down on 27th November 1881 to John Hamilton, Linen Manufacturers Clerk and Emily Hamilton nee Daniel. They were married on 27th February 1876 at Dromore.

Hamilton would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1900 and worked in Derry branch. His father, John signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as Dromore. Later, Donald Bruce Hamilton and Francis Roycroft Hamilton would join in the indemnity.

Belfast Bank, Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

In 1901 Hamilton was boarding with the Black family in house 45, Bridge Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. His occupation is recorded as a Bankers Clerk. 

In 1901 the family were living in house 43, Princes Street, Dromore, Co. Down. Parents John and Emily, siblings Francis (22), Alice (20), Walter (16) and Bruce (14), boarders William Larmour and Alfred Davison. 

The Northern Whig of 30th November 1905 reports on Hamilton being transferred, on promotion, from Ballymoney branch to Crossmaglen branch.

Belfast Bank, Ballymoney branch

Belfast Bank, Crossmaglen branch

By 1911 Hamilton had moved to Strabane and was boarding with the Thompson family in house 1, Main Street, Strabane West, Co. Tyrone. He is described as a Bank Clerk. The home accommodated the father, 3 daughters, 3 boarders and 3 servants.

Belfast Bank, Strabane branch

John (father) died aged 63 on 13th September 1911 at Glencoe House, Dromore. He had been predeceased by his wife Emily who died aged 62 on 16th March 1909 at Glencoe House, Dromore. 

Hamilton initially enlisted at Lincoln, England on 10th December 1915 into the Inns of Court OTC with Service Number 82885 (?). 

Attestation Form dated 10th December 1915 

Further transfers took place throughout his army career:

• 14th April 1916 - 2nd/1st Battalion, Dorset Yeomanry (S/No. 2117 or 231152)
• 28th May 1917 - 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles (S/No. 11/326)
• dd/mm/ccyy - MT Section, Army Service Corps (S/No. 379804)
• 20th October 1918 - 21st Battalion, Tanks Corps (S/No. 317859) 

One of his Army Conduct Sheets record the following offences:

• 06/02/1917 - Failure to return off leave when ordered
• 03/08/1917 - Absent from tattoo

All of his military career was served at 'home' in the UK. He was 'Disembodied on Demobilisation' on 4th March 1919.

The Belfast Bank 'Roll of Honour' booklet records Hamilton as serving with the Dorset Yeomanry as a Trooper.

Belfast Bank - 'Roll of Honour' booklet

It is presumed that Hamilton re-joined the bank following his demobilisation.

On 25th November 1936, Hamilton applied for a duplicate discharge certificate and gave his address as 106 Birmingham Road, London, SE1. He mentions that he 'returned from America in July 1921'.

There are a few shipping passenger manifests on Ancestry that mention a Charles Hamilton, Accountant.

There is a death record on 1st January 1958 for a Charles Daniel Hamilton, 75 of 31 Denbigh Place, London SW1. This therefore gives his year of birth as 1883 (actual 27th November 1881). 

Bruce Hamilton

Charles' brother Bruce served in 'C' Company, 13th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, Service Number 16568. He was a Sergeant and was killed in action at France and Flanders on 16th August 1917. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial.

Lynas, William Theodore

Officer Cadet William Theodore Lynas

Lynas was born at 56 Deramore Avenue, Belfast on 3rd February 1894 to William Henry Lynas, Lithographer and Eva Lynas nee McGee (or McGhee). They had married on 30th April 1891 at University Road Methodist Church.

In 1901 Lynas (7) lived in house 216, Ravenhill Road, Ormeau Ward, Belfast with his parents and 3 siblings; Frances Eva (8), Madeline Beatrice (5) and Norman Edward (1).

By 1911 the whole family had moved to house 3, Sandhurst Road, Cromac Ward, Belfast. William is described as a scholar.

On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, (Wm T) Lynas' parents signed the Ulster Covenant and Women's Declaration at City Hall, Belfast and All Saints School, Cromac, Belfast each giving their address as 6 Sandhurst Road, Belfast. Two sisters Beatrice and Franzi also signed the Women's Declaration.

Lynas would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1912/13. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee.  He is recorded as working in Armagh and Londonderry branches.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Armagh branch

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Lynas served as an Officer Cadet with the Officer Training Corps (OTC). There is no further information about his military career.

Lynas married Emily Lyttle on 2nd June 1920 at Templecarne Parish Church, Co. Donegal. His address was recorded as 3 Park Avenue, Londonderry.

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Winter 1984)’ contains a photograph of Lynas in Londonderry branch in the 1930’s.

Wm T Lynas, 1930, Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Staff, 1930, Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Eva Lynas (mother) died aged 70 at Belfast Mental Hospital on 4th October 1936 and is buried in Dundonald Cemetery.

Lynas was in Londonderry branch when he left the Bank in 1940. 

The Derry Journal of 22nd March 1940 carried an advertisement from Messrs Bond Brothers, Auctioneers for a W T Lynas auctioning 'superior household furniture and effects' including a 'grand piano' from 1 West End Park, Derry. 

The Londonderry Sentinel of 23rd March 1940 expanded on the auction items for W T Lynas who 'is leaving the city':

Lynas died aged 47 at 58 Shandon Park, Belfast on 11th August 1941 and is buried in Dundonald Cemetery. On 14th August 1941, the Belfast News-Letter carried the following death notice that mentioned his widow Emily Lynas.

William Henry (father) died aged 85 on a 'bus at corner of Holland Drive & Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast' on 1st January 1951 and is buried with his wife Eva in Dundonald Cemetery. 58 Shandon Park was his last residence. The Belfast Telegraph published an obituary for William H Lynas. Within it were mentioned Mr H E McDowell (son-in-law) and Mr H D Simpson (grandson) indicating the two sisters Frances Eva and Madeline Beatrice married either Mr McDowell or Mr Simpson.

The PRONI wills database reports "Lynas William Henry of 58 Shandon Park Belfast lithographic artist died 1 January 1951 in a public motor vehicle at Belfast Probate Belfast 17 August to Madelaine Beatrice Simpson married woman. Effects £1219 6s. 6d."

Norman Lynas died aged 60 at 'Garnesh', Beechill Avenue, Belfast on 31st December 1960 and is buried with his brother William in Dundonald Cemetery.

Mahood, Thomas

Company Quarter-Master Sergeant Thomas Mahood MBE

Mahood was born at 27 Lawnbrook Avenue, Belfast on 24th September 1887 to Samuel Mahood, Street Inspector and Arabella Mahood nee Beggs.

In 1901 Mahood (13) was living in house 58, Ballydownfine, Ballygomartin Ward, Co. Antrim with his parents and 4 siblings; James (22), Samuel (16), Hugh (11) and George Hamilton (7).

Mahood would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1905. His father signed the Indemnity to the bank. Later on, his brother Samuel would take on the Guarantee. Various family addresses are recorded:

• 98 Balmoral Avenue, Belfast
• 51 Lisburn Road, Belfast

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

By 1911 Mahood is boarding in house 16, Forthill Street, Enniskillen East, Co. Fermanagh with a family with surname Hood. He is described as a Bank Clerk.

Manhood's parents are living in house 98 Balmoral Avenue, Belfast.  Brothers Hugh and George are still residing at home.

On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, a Thomas Mahood signed the Ulster Covenant at Enniskillen giving his address as Font Villa, Enniskillen.

In October 1914, Mahood enlisted into the Royal Irish Rifles with Service Number 15538 giving his age as 26 years and 11 months. His occupation is a Bank Clerk.

Short Service Attestation - Thomas Mahood

According to his Medal Index Card, Mahood served with the 10th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles and attained the rank of Quarter-Master Sergeant. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 5th October 1915.

Medal Index Card - Thomas Mahood

Whilst on leave from the 'front', Thomas Mahood married Nora Morrison, 22 at Drumballyroney Parish Church, Co. Down on 2nd December 1916.

Marriage Registration - Thomas and Nora Mahood

Mahood was awarded the 1914-15 Star (rank recorded as Lance Corporal), the British War Medal and the Victory Medal (rank recorded as Colour Sergeant and CQMS).

1914-15 Star Medal Roll - Thomas Mahood

British War & Victory Medal Rolls - Thomas Mahood

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Mahood returned to work eventually ending up as Manager of Portaferry branch. He also worked in Enniskillen and Rathfriland.

Belfast Bank, Enniskillen branch

Belfast Bank, Rathfriland branch

Belfast Bank, Portaferry branch
[Acknowledgements to the J Millar Collection]

On 7th January 1949, the Belfast Gazette recorded Thomas Mahood of Belfast Bank House, Portaferry as being appointed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). 1949 New Year's Honours list.  As Honorary Secretary, Upper Ards Local Savings Committee, Co. Down.

Retirement came in 1951 and he died on 8th February 1961. PRONI records the following in their Will Calendars collection:

"Mahood, Thomas of 1 Slievemoyne Park Newcastle county Down retired bank manager died 8 February 1961 Probate Belfast 27 April to Nora Mahood the widow. Effects £1639 6s. 4d."

McMechan, James

Captain James McMechan MC

McMechan was born on 6th July 1893 to Hugh McMechan, Farmer and Lizzie Jane McMechan nee Kirkpatrick. The birth was registered in Downpatrick. 

[Hugh McMechan, Farmer had married Elizabeth Jane Torney on 16th April 1891 at Saul Parish Church, Downpatrick].

In 1901 McMechan (9) was living in house 4, Ballybranagh Lower, Ardglass, Co. Down with his parents and 6 siblings; Nellie (8), Elsie (6), Kathleen (5), John (4), Emma (2) and Hugh Thomas (0). Two servants also live in the house, Lizzie Fitzpatrick (14) and Lizzie Harrison (26).

By 1911, McMechan is living in the property now known as house 2, Ballybranagh, Ardglass, Co. Down with his parents and his 5 siblings; Elsie, John, Kathleen, Emma, Hugh and Mary.

McMechan is not recorded here. He is boarding in house 45, Ballybannon, Dundrum, Co. Down with a family called Donnan. His occupation is recorded as an Apprentice Mechanic.

McMechan would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1909 and worked in Pettigo, Cookstown and Downpatrick branches. His father signed the Bankers Indemnity for him.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Pettigo branch

Belfast Bank, Cookstown branch

Belfast Bank, Downpatrick branch

On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, James and Hugh McMechan signed the Ulster Covenant at the Balee Meeting House, Ardglass or at Castlewellan.

McMechan volunteered and  enlisted into the 10th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and attained the rank of Captain.

James McMechan - Medal Index Card

He was awarded the Military Cross (MC).

The London Gazette dated 17th September 1917 records his citation as

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his company during an attack. He personally showed them how close they could keep to the barrage, and with great courage and skill he outflanked and wiped out an enemy machine gun and its crew without a single casualty to his own men. His coolness and fine leadership contributed very largely to the success of the operation.”

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records McMechan as having been 'previously wounded' with his last known address as 'prisoner of war'.

Belfast Bank 'Roll of Honour' booklet

McMechan was captured on 22nd March 1918 by the Germans at Le Hamel and was imprisoned in the O G L Rastatt camp. His Next of Kin is recorded as Elsie McMechan, Downpatrick.

German Prisoner of War Record 1 - Capt James McMechan MC

German Prisoner of War Record 2 - Capt James McMechan MC

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, McMechan returned to work. He is recorded in the Northern Whig dated 29th May 1920 as being the Acting Manager of Whitehead branch. 

Belfast Bank, Whitehead branch

The clipping, posted below, informs the readers that James received his Military Cross in a Royal Investiture, from the King at Buckingham Palace.

Courtesy of Great War Belfast Clippings

He is recorded in BBCo records as having a wife, May Kathleen McMechan.

McMechan died on 23rd November 1933.