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.

Clarke, John Carton

Private John Carton Clarke

Clarke was born at Castlerock, Co. Londonderry on 2nd February 1897 to William Thomas Clarke, Grocer and Gemma Grace Murray Clarke nee Carton. They were married on 1st March 1894 at Castlerock Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 Clarke (4) was living in house 1, Castlerock, Freehall Watson Part of, Downhill, Co. Londonderry with his maternal grandparents, John & Drusilla Carton, his parents and his sister, Kathleen (6). A cousin, William Cooper was also present as were 5 others; John Beckett, Rachel Torbitt, Helen Campbell, Mary O'Brien and Francis McLaughlin.

By 1911, Clarke was living in house 4.1, Castlerock Town, Downhill, Co. Londonderry with his parents and 3 siblings; Kathleen, Robert and Aileen. His grandfather, John Carton and a servant, Cassie McLaughlin are also present.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Clarke signed the Ulster Covenant at Articlave Orange Hall. 

John Clarke joined Northern Bank in October 1914 and was posted to Carrickfergus as Junior.

In July 1916, Clarke volunteered and enlisted into the 9th Bn. Royal Fusiliers as a Private with Service Number 23278.

John Clarke - Medal Index Card

His unit is also recorded as 26th Royal Fusiliers. This website Carrickfergus Roll of Honour records Clarke as being in 9th Battalion - Royal Fusiliers - City of London Regiment. This regiment was in the 18th (Eastern) Division involved in the attacks in October 1916 on the stubbornly defended and vital position of and around the Schwaben Redoubt. On 7th October there was a determined counter-attack by the Germans to recapture the Redoubt. It appears that Private Clarke was killed during this assault.

Clarke went missing on 7th October 1916. 

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

He is remembered in name on the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 8C, 9A and 16A.

John Clarke - Ireland's Memorial

John Clarke - Medal Roll

A Pension Record card exists for John Clarke's next of kin, Mr Wm T Clarke. He was also allocated John's final pay and allowances totalling £6 18s paid out in 2 instalments.

John Clarke - Pension Record Card

John Clarke - Register of Soldiers' Effects

Clarke's bank Staff Record card ends with the words 'missing believed killed 7th October 1916'.

Gilmore, Alexander William Francis

2nd Lieutenant Alexander William Francis Gilmore (Gilmour) MC 

Gilmore was born at Bailieborough on 25th June 1898 to Isaiah Gibson Gilmore, Veterinary Surgeon and Chemist and Mary Jane Gilmore nee Argue. He was sometimes known as Alex. His parents were married on 8th November 1893 at St. John the Evangelist Church of Ireland, Sandymount, Dublin.

Isaiah Gilmore died on 24th December 1899 at Lear. He was aged 36.

In 1901 Gilmore (4) was living at house 11, Main Street, Bailieborough with his grandparents, William & Mary Argue, his mother and 2 sisters; Idea (6) and Helen (2). An uncle and aunt, Patrick Argue and Ellen Argue were also in the house.

In 1911, Gilmore was living with his grand-father, William Argue at house 67, Bailieborough. His surname was spelt Gilmour. An uncle and aunt, Patrick Argue and Ellen Argue were also in the house.

On 3rd November 1914, Gilmore joined Northern Bank and worked in Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Gilmore volunteered in 1916 and enlisted into the 19th Bn Royal Irish Rifles (Cadet Company) with Service Number 19/293.   

A W F Gilmore - Medal Index Card

On promotion to 2nd Lieutenant he was posted to the 15th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, British Expeditionary Force. It is reported that he went 'to the front early in the present year [1917]'.

The 'Belfast News Letter' dated 28th July 1917 reports on his award of the Military Cross. It also mentions that he was wounded on 7th June 1917.

A W F Gilmore, Military Cross

The Military Cross (MC) citation is reported in the Northern Whig of 18th September 1917.

The Northern Whig of 4th December 1917 reports that Gilmore had been missing since 23rd November 1917:

Gilmore fought in battles at Messines (1917) and Ypres (1917) before being killed in action on 23rd November 1917 aged 19. He had first been reported as missing on 1st November 1917.

The Belfast News Letter dated 4th December 1917 reports:

Gilmore was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval.

A W F Gilmore - Memorial Inscription

A W F Gilmore - Ireland's Memorial

The photograph of Gilmore on the Bank Roll of Honour details him as being awarded the Military Cross (MC). He received the MC for his gallantry at the capture of Messines Ridge in June 1916.

Military Cross (MC)

A BBC Newsline website describes a 'Song of the 19th RIR Cadets'. It describes how the lyrics of a song were written to '... give an insight into the everyday lives of the young cadets who were billeted to the Co. Down town during the First World War ...'.  43 names of cadets were mentioned in the song and the author of the article believes that Gilmore was 2nd Lt A W F Gilmore.

The actual verse mentioning Gilmore is transcribed here:

Now, speaking of ladies, a tale I’ve been told,

Of how Sammy and Gilmore and Pollin were sold,

With officers swanky their sweethearts now walk,

But the three that I’ve named do nothing but talk,

They say what they’ll do if they once get the chance,

But the ladies concerned don’t deign them a glance,

Tis a pity to rupture the sweet harmonie,

Where the mountains of Mourne sweep down the sea.

Hunter, William Herbert

Captain William Herbert Hunter

Hunter was born at 5 Chichester Terrace, Belfast on 8th April 1915 to Herbert Charles Hunter, Secretary (Linen business) and Ellen Hunter nee Miskimmin. They had married on 8th May 1901 at St. James' Church, Antrim Road, Belfast.

In 1911 Hunter was living with the Miskimmin family (Ellen's parents) with his parents in house 25 Antrim Road, Belfast. A sister, Ellen (8) was also present in the house (see below).

Schooling for Hunter was at Belfast Royal Academy, Cliftonville Road, Belfast.

On 1st March 1933/38 (year is unclear), Hunter joined Northern Bank at Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast and was based in the Post Room.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Whitehead (1939 - Junior) and back to Head Office (1940).

Northern bank, Whitehead branch

On 15th December 1939, Hunter enlisted into the Royal Artillery and was ‘Called up’ on 13th January 1940 as a Gunner. Promotion followed to Lance Bombardier, Cadet, 2nd Lieutenant (1942) and Captain with Service Number 224892.

Although the war in Europe had ended on 8th May 1945 (Victory in Europe Day [VE Day]), Capt William Hunter was still serving there with the Royal Ulster Rifles. He had been home on leave at the end of August 1945 and had called into Whitehead branch to speak to his colleagues and friends.

Shortly after his return to Germany, he was Killed on Active Service on 11th October 1945 aged 30. The 'incident' was reported to the War Office Casualty Branch for the 24 hours ended 09.00 hrs on 16th October 1945 (Forces War Record website). On 5th November 1945 the record was corrected to 'as a result of an accident'.

Hunter's address at the time of his accident was 730 Antrim Road, Belfast.

The Belfast Telegraph reported that he was ‘Killed in a motoring accident in Germany on 11th October 1945'. Hunter is buried in the Munster Heath War Cemetery, Germany. Many of the burials are those who died serving with the Army of Occupation following the end of the war.

His CWGC headstone reads as follows:

CWGC Document showing agreed headstone inscription details

Capt W H Hunter - CWGC Headstone

Munster Heath War Cemetery, Germany

An obituary and photograph were published by the Belfast Telegraph on 19th October 1945.

Belfast Telegraph 19th October 1945

Following this BelTel news report, a member of the Northern Bank staff (Staff Department) pasted the clipping on to his staff record sheet.

Excerpt from William Hunter's Staff Record Sheet

The Larne Times dated 25th October 1945 published this article:

Clipping courtesy of Nigel Henderson

Capt. Hunter is remembered on a family headstone in the 'Corner Graveyard' at Carnmoney Parish Church:

Photo courtesy of Nigel Henderson

Capt. Hunter is remembered on two war memorials at Belfast Royal Academy and Malone Rugby Club (both photos courtesy of Nigel Henderson).

W H Hunter - Belfast Royal Academy

W H Hunter - Malone Rugby Football Club

Hunter's sister, Ellen later presented a Prayer Desk and Minister's Chair to St Patrick's Parish Church, Cairncastle in memory of her late brother. The church Pulpit was later donated by Ellen's daughter in her memory.

St Patrick's Parish Church, Cairncastle

Plaque on furniture donated in memory of Capt. W H Hunter
(note an incorrect date of death)

October 2025: The Reverend Arlene Moore of the Church of Ireland Parish of Kilwaughter & St Patrick's Cairncastle with All Saints, Craigyhill, Larne is collating an in-house parish 80th anniversary commemorative booklet of all those connected with St Patrick’s who fell or served in the Two World Wars. My thanks go to Arlene for the image of the above plaque.