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. 

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.

Fenton, Rodney

Rodney Fenton

Fenton was aged 23 and was working for Northern Bank in their Antrim Road branch. 

On 20 December 1973, Fenton was shot and killed shortly after leaving the bank with colleagues.  It is thought that he was mistaken for and off duty policeman. 

He was a civilian bank employee.

At the time of writing (2012) and updated (2024), there is no memorial to Fenton 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 book 'Lost Lives' describes the killing of Fenton:

Rodney George Fenton, 22-year-old Protestant civilian, single and a bank clerk was from Lower Ballymartin Road, Killaloo. He was shot in the back by an IRA gunman at the junction of Baltic Avenue and Antrim Road. He and 3 colleagues were walking to a pub for a Christmas drink at the time of the attack. One of his workmates was a reserve police officer and was injured in the attack. All 4 men worked at the Antrim Road branch of the Northern Bank and had been walking along Atlantic Avenue when they were attacked. A gunman with long hair walked up behind the men and shot the reserve constable and before he ran off. One of the men told the inquest that the attack was completely unexpected and that the only motive for the attack was to shoot the reserve police officer. A detective said there was no apparent motive for the attack in a predominantly Catholic area. It was believed that the IRA carried out the attack. The IRA had issued statements warning people not to be in the company of security force members. Mr. Fenton lived in a rented room in Belfast. He was due to go home the following day to spend Christmas with his family. Mr. Fenton's father was a well-known orthopaedic consultant at Londonderry's Altnagelvin Hospital. A room at the hospital was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Fenton.

The Belfast Telegraph dated 2nd May 1974 reported further detail on the incident:

An Appreciation from ‘The Link’ (Northern Bank staff magazine)

The list of those who have come to violent death whilst on the staff of the Northern Bank is not a long o
ne, but one more name must now be regretfully added to that roll. His many friends both in the Bank and from school and social life were shocked and distressed to learn of the tragic end of Rodney Fenton in an incident outside Antrim Road Branch, Belfast on 20th December.

On leaving school, Rodney went into a business house in Londonderry, not far from his home. Thus he already had a year’s experience to his credit when he joined the staff of the Belfast Banking Company at Duncairn Gardens Branch on 1st June 1970. Few officials make so good an impression on so many people as did Rodney from then till the end of what proved to be the short period of service allotted to him. From his first day in the Bank he showed himself an adaptable and agreeable official. His pleasant manner with colleagues and customers alike, and his willingness to take trouble to give special service were exemplary.

Though his banking career turned out to be brief, he experienced the extra work in which cashiers were involved over decimalisation; and also the added task imposed by the merging of two Branches of the Bank, but Rodney bore more than his share of these tasks with such good-will that he lightened the load for others.

He deserves to be, and will long be, remembered by those who knew him. The tremendous number of expressions of sympathy received at the Branch after his death, were a tribute to his popularity with all.

J D Russell

Belfast Bank, Duncairn Gardens, Belfast - 1932

On 15th February 1975, 'The Rodney Fenton Memorial Room of Rest' was dedicated at a private ceremony at Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry by the Moderator-Designate of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. George Wynne. In attendance were his parents, Mr George L Fenton FRCS and Mrs Fenton and his brothers David, Christopher and Nicholas. 

The Staff Magazine 'The Link' (Summer 1975) contains a photograph of 'The Fenton Room'.

Mr George I Fenton FRCS died on 3rd October 2014. The late Rodney is mentioned in the Belfast Telegraph death notice.

The author, Gavin Bamford made a private visit to Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry to remember Rodney Fenton and to see 'The Fenton Room'. The following photographs are from the room.

Northern Bank 200th Anniversary - September 2024

Gavin Bamford writes:

"I'm very proud to have co-authored the banks 200th anniversary book along with Nick Garbutt and hope that you enjoy reading it. 

"I have specifically included the names of our five murdered colleagues whom we will always remember. 

The bank writes:

"2024 is our 200th year in business, something we're very proud of. To mark that, we commissioned two former colleagues to put together a commemorative photobook. Our CEO Vicky Davies unveiled the book with the authors in our Head Office. 

The book can be downloaded free via this link.

Gavin has published a short personal launch video. 

Gavin Bamford, Vickey Davies & Nick Garbutt

Gavin Bamford showing his book 

in the War Memorial corridor of 

Northern Bank (T/as Danske Bank) Head Office

Duncan, Charles Wesley

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Wesley Duncan MBE, UD (known as Wesley)

Wesley Duncan was from the Annalong area of south Down.

He was an Investment Manager in the Northern Bank Executor and Trustee Company Limited based in 10 High Street, Belfast in the early 1970s. Promotion to Manager, Investment Management Services came later.

In the early 1970s, Duncan volunteered and enlisted into the locally recruited Ulster Defence Regiment UDR) as a private with service number 24273109. 

The UDR had been formed on 1st January 1970 and became fully operational on 1st April 1970.

The London Gazette reports further on Duncan's military career:

• 09/10/1973 - 24273109 Pte C W Duncan - 'to be 2nd Lieutenant (on probation) wef 26/03/1973 with service number (officer) 496697.
  
  
• 18/06/1974 - 2nd Lieutenant C W Duncan - (on probation) - confirmed as 2nd Lt wef 26/04/1973.
  
  
• 02/09/1975 - 2nd Lt C W Duncan - to be Lt wef 26th Marc h 1975 (9th Bn UDR).
  
  
• 18/01/1977 - Lt C W Duncan - to be Capt wef 01/12/1976.
  
  
• 01/05/1979 - Capt C W Duncan - is granted the rank of Acting Major wef 01/02/1979. 
  
  
• 29/01/1980 - Capt (A/Maj) C W Duncan UD - to be Maj wef 10/09/1979 with seniority wef 01/02/1979. 
  
  
• 14/04/1987 - Maj C W Duncan UD - from Active List to be Major wef 10/04/1987.
  
  
• 13/10/1987 - Major C W Duncan UD - 'mentioned in despatches' in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland.
  
  
• 05/04/1988 - Major C W Duncan UD - (from Reserve of Officers) to be Maj 08/02/1988 with seniority wef 01/12/1979.
  
  
• 02/08/1994 - Major C W Duncan UD - (Royal Irish) to be Lt Col wef 01/04/1994.
  
  
• 17/02/2004 - Lt Col C W Duncan - retires 09/12/2000 (Royal Irish Regiment, Home Service, Part-time).
  
  
• 31/12/2020 - C W Duncan - 'Member of the Order of the British Empire' for voluntary service to Military Veterans.

Duncan attended the Northern Bank Ex-Servicemen's annual dinner of 1974:

Unknown, Wesley Duncan, Ronnie Huffington & Wilson Ervin

Duncan was awarded the General Service Medal (GSM) with Northern Ireland clasp, Accumulated Campaign Service Medal (ACSM), Ulster Defence Regiment Medal (UD) and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). 

Duncan was a director of the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum between 2009 and 2020. 

He was a trustee of the UDR Benevolent Fund and was Chairman of the UDR Memorial Trust that erected the UDR statue in Markey Square, Lisburn. At the ceremony on 12th June 2011, he said:

"It was unfortunate that there were members who did bad things and we're not trying to hide that. But what we would say is that there's almost 50,000 people who didn't do bad things – who did good things, who were ordinary decent people who wanted to do the best they could for their country".

UDR Memorial - Market Square, Lisburn

This picture of the a 'UDR Church Window' adorns his Facebook page.

UDR Church Window

Wesley Duncan, retired Investment Manager, NB Executor & Trustee Company and former trustee of the NB (DB) Pension Scheme died on 5th January 2021 with his service being held at Kilhorne Parish Church, Annalong on 10th January 2021.

He is survived by his widow, Gwendoline and sons John & James and families.