Buchanan, John Gerard (Junior)

2nd Lieutenant John Gerard Buchanan Junior

Buchanan was born at Castletown, Fintona, Co. Tyrone on 24th July 1898 to John Gerard Buchanan, Bank Cashier and Annie Elizabeth Buchanan nee Johnston. They were married on 25th August 1891 at Fintona Presbyterian Church.

In 1901, Buchanan (2) was living in house 27, Main Street, Fintona, Co. Tyrone with his parents and 3 siblings; William Arthur I (8), Hugh J (5) and Margaret J (0). Two servants also lived in the house, Catherine J Preston and Sarah A McGrath.

Buchanan's father, John G Buchanan is recorded as a Bank Manager. The address is that of the Northern Bank branch.

Northern Bank House, Main Street, Fintona

By 1911, the family are still living in Northern Bank House,  (house) 23, Main Street, Fintona, Co. Tyrone. The family has expanded to William Arthur I (18), Hugh J (15), Margaret E (14), John G (12), Amelia M G (7) and Mabel D (6).

[Hugh J Buchanan joined the Northern Bank and also served in the Great War].

Buchanan would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1915/1916. His Bankers Guarantee bond was signed by his father, John G Buchanan Senior, John James Knox Johnston of Crannyvale, Fintona and his brother, Hugh J Buchanan. In 1949 his sister Margaret joined in the signing.

Family headstone, John G Buchanan
Hillsborough Parish Churchyard

Buchanan volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery soon after and attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

J G Buchanan - Medal Index Card

The 'Belfast News-Letter' of 7th June 1918 reported the gassing and wounding of Buchanan :

Buchanan was awarded the British War Medal and the British Victory medal for his service.

Following his demobilisation, Buchanan worked in Saintfield, Aughnacloy and Kesh as Manager from 1950.

Belfast Bank, Saintfield branch

Belfast Bank, Aughnacloy branch

Belfast Bank, Kesh branch

The 'Belfast News-Letter' of 1st October 1934 reported the marriage of John Buchanan to Dorothy M A Naylor of Fintona on 15th September 1934.

Buchanan retired in 1960 and died on 9th June 1965.

J G Buchanan - Probate

Buchanan's nephew (son of Hugh Buchanan), John Gerard Buchanan, Barrister-at-Law was later to become an Irish High Court judge. He died in 2018.

The Belfast News Letter of 30th October 1915 reports this of another brother, W A I Buchanan:

The Belfast News Letter of 28th July 1916 reports this of a brother, W A I Buchanan:

The Belfast News Letter of 30th July 1917 reports the death of his brother W A I Buchanan

Curran, Herbert

  

(Photo courtesy of RBAI website)

Private Herbert Curran

Curran was born at 5 Rossmore Avenue, Ormeau, Belfast, Co. Antrim on 20th August 1894 to Miles Curran and Edith Curran nee Bruce. They had married on 22nd May 1888 at Duncairn Presbyterian Church, Belfast. Miles' occupation is recorded as a Book-keeper.

In 1901 Curran (6) was living in house 64, North Parade, Belfast with his parents and 5 siblings; Harold T (11), Edith (10), William (8 - Royal Fusiliers, Service Number 8034), May (3) and 
Lancelot Ernest (2 - RFC / RAF, Service Number 75518). A servant, Rose Maguire was also present in the house.

By 1911, Curran was living in house 29, College Gardens, Belfast with his parents and 5 siblings, Harold, William, May, Lancelot and Gerald (5). A maid, May Considine was also staying in the house.

On 1st May 1912, Curran joined Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Shaftesbury Square (1912 - Junior) and Head Office (1913). 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square branch

On 2nd December 1914, Curran volunteered and enlisted into the 24th (2nd Sportsman’s) Bn. Royal Fusiliers (City of London) as a Private with Service Number 2101. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 15th November 1915.

Herbert Curran - Medal Index Card

Curran was aged 21 when he was killed in action on 7th May 1916. His battalion were in trenches in the vicinity of Fosse 10, Sains-en-Gohelle when a shell hit a bombproof shelter, killing four men, including Herbert.

Curran is buried in the Tranchee de Mecknes Cemetery, Aix-Noulette., Pas de Calais, France. 

(Photo courtesy of RBAI website)

Curran is remembered on the Elmwood Presbyterian Church, Belfast War Memorial. This was rediscovered recently by History Hub Ulster in the Elmwood Presbyterian Church, Lisburn after 30 years in a cupboard.

Curran is also remembered on the RBAI (INST) 1914-18 War Memorial:

Photograph courtesy of LennonWylie

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

Herbert Curran - Medal Roll

Following Curran's death, his final pay and awards was claimed by Miles Curran.

Herbert Curran - Register of Soldiers Effects

Administration of his Will was granted at Belfast to Miles Curran, Secretary. Herbert's effects were £196 5s 4d.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, William Curran (an older brother) signed the Ulster Covenant at the Old Town Hall, Belfast.

Major Sir Lancelot Ernest Curran

Lancelot was the youngest son of Miles Curran and Edith Curran. Born in 1899, Lancelot was to enlist in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) around 1916 / 1917.  

Following demobilisation, Major Lancelot Curran was to take up the legal profession and politics. He was at various times, a High Court Judge, an MP (at Stormont). the Attorney General for NI and a Privy Councillor. from 1957 until his death in 1984.

Lancelot married Doris and they had 3 children including a daughter called Patricia. Sadly Patricia was to have been murdered in 1952 in what has become one of Northern Ireland's notorious and as yet unsolved crimes. There have been many news reports on the case. This is one from the Belfast Telegraph for reference.

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.

Walker, Samuel Edgar Stewart

Lieutenant Samuel Edgar Stewart Walker

Walker was born at Ballyrock on 29th April 1891 to James Walker, Farmer and Annie Mary Walker nee Stewart. They were married on 2nd October 1888 at Ballywatt Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 Walker (9) is living in house 1, Ballyrock Scotch, Beardiville, Co. Antrim with his grandparents David & Martha Walker, his parents and 5 siblings; Ida (2), Karolina (0), Marion (11), Francis (4) and Robert (7).

Walker would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1909 and is recorded as working in Derry and Warrenpoint branches. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee. Robert Walker (brother) later signed the document.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Belfast Bank, Warrenpoint branch

In 1911, Walker is boarding with the Coyle family in house 1.2 Castlewood Avenue, Rathmines & Rathgar East, Co. Dublin. His occupation is recorded  as a Bank Clerk. There are a further 2 possible colleagues boarding; Samuel H Eakin (22) and Archibald A Ennes (20), both described as Bank Clerks. 

By 1911 Walker's parents are living in house 5, Ballyrock Scotch, Beardiville, Co. Antrim with their 5 children; Robert, Francis, Ida, Karolina and John. A servant, William Moody is also present in the property.

Walker volunteered and enlisted as a Private into the Royal Highlanders with Service Number 2178. His first theatre of war is recorded as the Western Front from 2nd May 1915.

S E S Walker - Medal Index Card

Sergeant S E S Walker (Irish Independent of 3rd February 1917) was commissioned on 1st January 1917 from the Royal Highlanders into the 11th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers as a 2nd Lieutenant and was later transferred to the 12th Bn. & 3rd Bn. 

The Northern Whig of 19th February 1917 reports on his commission and mentions him being wounded.

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

The Ballymoney Free Press and Northern Counties Advertiser of 1st March 1917 reports the same incident and mentions that Walker's brother, Francis (F W Walker) is a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery and is serving in France. He would later be promoted to Captain and awarded the Military Cross (MC).

Walker was later promoted to Temporary Lieutenant from 1st July 1918.

He was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and the British Victory Medal.

S E S Walker - Medal Roll

The Medal Index Card records his address as the Royal Bank of Ireland, Rathdown, Queens County, Ireland. In 1923 the Belfast Bank sold all its southern branches (and staff) to the Royal Bank of Ireland.

Belfast Bank later Royal Bank of Ireland, Rathmines, Dublin branch

As a result of his war injuries, a Pension Record Card was created for Walker recording his unit as 3rd Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

Hewitt, William Arthur

2nd Lieutenant William Arthur Hewitt

Hewitt was born at Princess Gardens, Bangor on 23rd January 1893 to James Henry Hewitt, Manager of the Workshops for the Industrious Blind and Jeannie D Hewitt nee Marshall. They had married on 25th June 1879 at St. John's Church of Ireland, Belfast.

In 1901 Hewitt (8) is living in house 15, Rosetta Avenue, Ormeau, Belfast with his parents and 4 siblings; J Marshall (20), Edith M (18), Ernest (15) and Holt (13). A visitor, Charlotte Hewitt and a servant, Bridget McIntee are also present in the property.

Hewitt was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institute (RBAI - INST), played rugby for the North of Ireland Rugby Football Club and was also a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).

He joined the Belfast Banking Company and is recorded as working in their Markets branch. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee and gave his address as Altamont, 97 Mornington Park, Bangor, Co. Down.  

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Markets branch, Victoria Street

By 1911 Hewitt is living in house 27, Downshire Road, Bangor, Co. Down with his parents and 3 siblings; Edith, Ernest and Holt. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. He had been working in Head Office.

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street

On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, Hewitt's father signed the Ulster Covenant at the Dufferin Memorial Hall, Bangor.

Hewitt volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. His first theatre of war is recorded as western Europe from 25th March 1916. His Medal Index Card records his father's address as Mornington Park, Bangor.

W A Hewitt - Medal Index Card

He was serving with 9th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers as a 2nd Lieutenant when he was killed in action on 1st July 1916 aged 23. He was their Assistant Adjutant.

Hewitt was one of three brothers who fell. They were Lieutenant Ernest Henry Hewitt (Mentioned in Dispatches), killed in action on 15th / 16th June 1915 aged 29, and Lieutenant Holt Montgomery Hewitt, killed in action on 1st July 1916 aged 29. William Hewitt is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France and also on Bangor War Memorial.

A brass memorial tablet, commemorating all three brothers is also on show in St. Comgall's Church, Bangor. 

The Belfast News Letter of 7th July 1916 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 10th July 1916 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 12th July 1916 reports:

The regimental magazine 'The Sprig' dated 2nd September 1916 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 15th August 1917 reports:



Administration of the estate was granted at Belfast to Francis H Hewitt, Manager.  Hewitt's effects were £352 9s 6d.

Thanks to Nigel Henderson of Great War Ulster Newspapers Archives for this image.

Bangor Rugby Football Club War Memorial displays a picture of Holt M Hewitt.

Bangor Rugby Football Club - War Memorial - H M Hewitt
(Courtesy of John McCormick)

Bangor Golf Club War Memorial records the name of Ernest M Hewitt.

Bangor Golf Club - War Memorial - H M Hewitt
(Courtesy of John McCormick)

Hewitt is also remembered on the RBAI (INST) 1914-18 War Memorial:

Photograph courtesy of LennonWylie