MacGrath, Reginald Robert Carew

Captain Reginald Robert Carson MacGrath MC

MacGrath was born at 2.2 Morehampton Road, Dublin on 4th July 1886 to William Ellison MacGrath, Gentleman and Kate MacGrath nee Carew. He was baptised on the 10th July 1886 at Donnybrook, Dublin. 

In 1901 Reginald (14) lived in house 5, Montpelier Parade, Blackrock, Dublin with his parents and 2 siblings; Kathleen (20) and William (23). A servant, Mary Limmons (27) also lived in the house. William MacGrath is recorded as being 'Retired from Bank'.

The Belfast News-Letter of 18th October 1904 carried a report of 'the remains of William Ellison MacGrath, late manager of the National Bank, Kingstown were interred today'.

Reginald would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1903/04 and is recorded as working in College Green, Dublin branch. His Bankers Guarantee was signed by his mother, Kate.

R R C MacGrath - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Banking Company, College Green, Dublin branch

By 1911 Reginald was boarding with the Templeton family in house 13, Sandy Street, Newry, Co. Down. He is described as a Bank Official.

Reginald volunteered and enlisted into the 2nd Bn. Royal Irish Regiment and attained the rank of Lieutenant (14th March 1916) and later, Captain. His Medal Index Card records his first theatre of war as France from 14th June 1915.

R R C MacGrath - Medal Index Card

The card records him as a Captain who has been awarded the MC - Military Cross. The London Gazette of 25th April 1919 records:

3rd R. Ir. Regt.: R R C MacGrath, M.C., is placed on the ret. list on account of ill-health contracted on active service, 27th Apr. 1919, and is granted the rank of Captain.

 

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records MacGrath as having been awarded military honours, the Military Cross (MC). His last known address is recorded as 'in France'.

Capt R R C MacGrath - Medal Roll 1

2/Lt R R C MacGrath - Medal Roll 2

The Medal Index Card records Reginald's address as (1) c/o Grace Bros, Lagos, Nigeria and then (2) Elm Park House, Elm Park Gardens, London, SW1.

Following his demobilisation and on 'account of ill-health contracted on active service', Reginald was eligible the Silver War Badge although I cannot find a record on Ancestry. A Pension Record Card also exists for Reginald.

Lt & A/Capt R R C MacGrath MC - Pension Record Card

The Irish Society (Dublin) of 30th April 1921 announced his engagement to Catherine Beatrice King-Church.

It is not thought that Reginald returned to the bank following demobilisation. There are a few sea voyages (found on Ancestry) between England & South Africa and return:

1922 - Lagos, Nigeria to Southampton - travelled with Catherine Beatrice MacGrath

1935 - England to Cape Town, South Africa - travelled with A N Other

1938 - Durban, South Africa to Southampton - travelled with Catherine MacGrath

1946 -  England to Cape Town, South Africa - solo trip

1948 - Mombasa, Kenya to England - travelled with Catherine MacGrath


Reginald Carew MacGrath of 23 Boxgrove Avenue, Guildford died on 29th March 1959. Probate records his estate going to Sheilagh Beatrice King-Church presumably a family member on his wifes side.

R C MacGrath - Probate

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.

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.

Holmes, Charles

Lieutenant Charles Holmes MC and Bar

Holmes was born at Ballybogan, Lifford, Co. Donegal on 28th October 1894 to William Holmes, Farmer and Mary Anne Holmes nee Brooks. They had married on 12th January 1889 at the Alt Presbyterian Church, Alt Upper, Castlefinn.

In 1901 Holmes  (6) was living in house 1, Ballybogan, Clonleigh South, Co. Donegal with his parents and 2 siblings, Robert Brooks (9) and William (2). A servant, Patrick Cullen was also living in the property.

By 1911 the property is described as house 4, Ballybogan, Clonleigh South, Co. Donegal. 2 daughters had been born since 1901, Annie Margaret (7) and Rebecca Mary (5). There is 1 servant, Rachel Donnell and 2 farm servants, William Schooner and Michael Deery also present in the property.

Holmes would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1912 and is recorded as working in Lurgan and Central branches. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as Ballybogan, Lifford

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Lurgan branch

Belfast Bank, Belfast Central branch

Holmes volunteered and enlisted into the 13th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles and was later commissioned attaining the rank of Lieutenant. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 22nd June 1918.

He later transferred to the Royal Army Pay Corps where he continued his service as a Lieutenant.

C Holmes - Medal Index Card

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records Holmes as being 'previously wounded' with his last known address as being 'in France'.

As an officer he would have had to apply for his service medals, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

He was also awarded the Military Cross twice (MC and Bar).

His first citation was published in the London Gazette on 16th September 1918 reads:

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  One night this officer, with 12 men and a party of infantry, captured two machine guns, holding at bay a large body of the enemy who nearly cut them off, and successfully extricating the whole of his men with but few casualties.” 

The second citation was published by the London Gazette on 1st February 1919.  It reads:

“For conspicuous gallantry and able leadership south-east of Dadizeele in September, 1918.  He led a platoon against a wood strongly held by machine guns and about 100 men, clearing it at the point of the bayonet and accounting for at least fifty men and three machine guns.  Although wounded himself, he continued encouraging his men against heavy odds.”  

Charles Holmes continued with a career in the army and did not re-join the bank.

Knox, Robert Kyle (Junior)

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kyle Knox (Junior) MC OBE

Knox was born at 74 Antrim Road, Belfast on 19th July 1898 to Sam Wright Knox, Accountant and Grace Lucy Knox nee O'Brien. They had married on 9th September 1897 at Fahan Upper, Co. Donegal with his occupation recorded as a Banker.

In 1901, Knox (2) is living in house 11, Clifton Street, Belfast with his parents and sister, Dorothy Ann (0). The Head of Family of the house is Robert's uncle, Brian O'Brien. A visitor, Mary McCoach and 2 servants, Ellen Ken and Isabella Bond are also present.

By 1911, Knox is boarding in a school at Ulverton Road, Dalkey, Co. Dublin with a brother, William O'Brien Knox (9). The rest of his family are now living in house 9, Somerton Road, Belfast.

In 1901 and 1911, there is an elderly Robert Kyle Knox (63 in 1901 and recorded as a Retired Bank Director) living in 1 College Gardens, Belfast.  R K Knox (Senior) is a former Chairman of Northern Bank. 

On 15th October 1914, Knox joined Northern Bank at Head Office with his address record as Glenburn, Dunmurry.   

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

In the same month he volunteered and enlisted into the 10th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers as a Private with Service Number 16/959. His first theatre of war is not recorded but started on 2nd October 1915.

R K Knox - Medal Index Card

Following promotions through the ranks, he was gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Irish Rifles. He saw action at the Somme 1916, Cambrai 1917, St. Quentin 1918 and Ypres 1918. On 28th March 1918, he was injured and suffered a gunshot wound to his left leg. He also narrowly escaped being taken prisoner in the late fighting.  

The Belfast News Letter of 18th January 1918 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 4th April 1918 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 10th July 1918 reports:

Demobilisation came in February 1919. In addition to the Military Cross (MC),  he was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

L/Sgt R K Knox - Medal Roll

Following demobilisation, Knox re-joined the Northern Bank at Lisburn on 24th March 1919 as a ‘junior’. 

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

 A transfer in May 1919 took him to Ball’s Branch until 11th January 1922 when he resigned. 

Ball's branch, Dublin

It is probable that he volunteered for further service at the start of WWII as the London Gazette records a 2nd Lieutenant R K Knox MC (with Service Number 146469) serving with the Intelligence Corps in 1940. In 1943, he was recorded as a Major (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel).  

He was also awarded the OBE at some time between 1943 and 1946. 

On 17th October 1946, Knox was conferred with the USA military decoration, ‘Legion of Merit, Degree of Officer’ in recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies. The Legion of Merit is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. 

Military Cross (MC)

 Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

[the military version of the ribbon has an additional white vertical line]

Legion of Merit (Officer)

The Belfast Telegraph of 24th May 1965 reports the death of Lt Col R K Knox, aged 66 at Dublin.

Probate was granted to Richard Pigot and Jeremy Hughes: