Donaghy, Thomas Moffett

Sergeant Thomas Moffett Donaghy MM

Donaghy was born at Main Street, Limavady on 13th February 1912 to James Donaghy, General Draper and Catherine Donaghy nee McCullagh. They had married on 12th February 1903 at Ballyarnett Presbyterian Church.

The Northern Whig of 6th July 1929 reported that Donaghy 'assisted the best man' at his sister Kathleen's wedding in Limavady.

On 2nd June 1930 he joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address at that time was 6 Main Street, Limavady.

Transfers followed to Coleraine (1930 - Junior), Head Office (1930), Knock Sub-Office (1930), Maghera (1931), Oldcastle (1934), Head Office  (1938 - relief) and Grafton Street (1938 - relief).

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

Northern Bank, Maghera branch

Whilst in Maghera, the Belfast Telegraph of 15th May 1933 reported that Donaghy had won a Special Prize for Neatness in the Final examinations of the Institute of Bankers in Ireland.

Northern bank, Oldcastle branch

Northern Bank, Grafton Street branch

 

On 9th January 1940 he joined the North Irish Horse and was ‘Called up’ on 16th January 1940. His rank on joining was Trooper (Driver mechanic). Promotions followed to Sergeant.

The Belfast Telegraph of 8th December 1944 reported that Donaghy had been 'wounded for second time'. 

Donaghy was awarded the Military Medal on 26th April 1945. The citation reads:

“On November 14th 1944, at map ref 418206 Sergeant Donaghy was Troop Leader of three tanks supporting A Company 6 Black Watch. His orders were to support A Company in clearing the houses on each side of the road and seizing the T junction 418206. At the junction several enemy tanks were known to be lying in wait. One anti-tank gun was known to be sited down the road which had not been swept for mines, and it was impossible to get off the road. A platoon of 6 Black Watch had managed to reach a house 200 yards short of the objective but were pinned down from Spandau fire from the enemy tanks. Sergeant Donaghy made a most gallant attempt to get to their assistance. The only way was straight up the road. As soon as he moved he came under high-explosive and armour-piercing fire from enemy tanks but continued up the road. Just before he reached the infantry his tank was hit and knocked out. Sergeant Donaghy was wounded by blast and splash in the face and could not see out of one eye. He refused to be evacuated and after dark sufficiently repaired his tank to enable it to be towed to a defensive position for the night. He accomplished this in spite of intense fixed line Spandau fire down the road. He manned his tank throughout the night and did not go to hospital until ordered to do so next day. Sergeant Donaghy’s grim determination at all costs to carry out his task of supporting the infantry and his success in carrying out this task in face of strong opposition and in spite of his own wounds, showed devotion to duty and personal courage which were quite beyond praise.” 

Military Medal (MM)

The Belfast Telegraph of 20th July 1945 reports that T M Donaghy has been 'mentioned in despatches' for 'gallant and distinguished service in Italy'.

The bank Staff Record sheet records that he sustained an eye injury and lost the sight of one eye during his war service.

On 4th February 1946 Thomas resumed service with the Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Grafton Street (1946 - relief ), Head Office (1946- relief ), Head Office (1947), Lisburn (1948 - Relief), Head Office (1948), Claudy (1948 - Cashier), Larne (1952 - Cashier), Banbridge (1954 - Cashier), Head Office (1955) and Donegall Square (1956 - Cashier).

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

Northern Bank, Claudy branch

Northern Bank, Larne branch

Northern Bank, Banbridge branch

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Donaghy (44) took early retirement on 30th November 1956.

Henderson, James Montgomery

James Montgomery Henderson

Henderson was born at 'Sherbourne', Bawnmore Road, Belfast on 8th August 1912 to James Henderson, Accountant and Eugenie Louise Albertine Henderson nee Cluzeau. They had married on 21st January 1911 at Church of the Second Congregation, All Souls' Church, Belfast.

Henderson was educated at Belfast Royal Academy.

Henderson joined the Belfast Banking Company in April 1931 as reported in the Belfast News-Letter of 16th May 1931.

His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as 33 Indiana Avenue, Belfast. Later signatories were David Henderson and Eugenie Henderson. James is recorded as working in Warrenpoint and Ballymoney branches.

Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Warrenpoint branch

Belfast Bank, Ballymoney branch

It is thought that Henderson may have volunteered for 'Active Service' with the Royal Artillery.

Following his return to the Belfast Bank after the war, Henderson worked in Waring Street, Clearing Department and Chief Cashier's Department (in Victoria Square building).

Belfast Bank, Waring Street

Northern Bank, Victoria Street - Chief Cashier's Department

After 45 years service, Henderson retired as Assistant Chief Cashier in April 1976. 

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Summer 1976)’ contains the (top) photograph of Henderson .

Henderson attended the annual Ex-Servicemen's Association Dinner in 1976. 

Stutt, Robert Alexander (Alec) Crickton

Sergeant Robert Alexander (Alec) Crichton Stutt

Stutt was born at Church Street, Omagh on 15th December 1919 to the Rev John William Stutt and Elizabeth Alice Stutt nee Holland. They had married on 4th July 1917 at the Methodist Church, Armagh.

The Northern Whig of 29th April 1938 reported in an advertisement for 'John W Renshaw LLD of Shaftesbury House (School)' that R A C Stutt had passed his entrance examination for the Belfast Bank.

Known as Alec, he joined the Belfast Banking Company on 16th May 1938. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address and occupation as 545 Antrim Road, Belfast (Methodist Minister). Alec is recorded as working in Central branch.

Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Central branch (Donegall Square North)

At the start of the War, Stutt volunteered and joined the Royal Artillery, serving 7 years. He rose to the rank of Sergeant.

 
Following demobilisation, Stutt re-joined the Belfast Banking Company.

 
Stutt was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club in March 1947 paying 5 shillings subscription. At that time he was working in Castle Place branch. Transfers followed to Head Office (1948), North End (1949).

Belfast Bank, Castle Place branch

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street

Stutt is recorded in the 1966 annual accounts of the Belfast Banking Company as being manager of their Lisburn Road branch. It had been opened 2 years earlier in 1964 after being located next door in 435 Lisburn Road from 1960 as a sub-branch.

The Belfast Telegraph of 19th May 1964 published this advertisement:

Belfast Bank, 437 Lisburn Road branch

Northern Bank, 437 Lisburn Road

The Belfast Telegraph of 2nd August 1977 reported on Stutt and a colleague Barry Lowry (also 10 High Street staff) working for the 'Not Forgotten Association'.

Reverend John William Stutt died in March 1978.

Stutt retired on 30th April 1981 as manager of the High Street, Belfast branch.

Northern Bank, 10 High Street branch

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link’ of Summer 1981 contain photographs of Stutt.

Alec Stutt died on 15th August 2015 at Oakmount Lodge Care Home, Bangor. He was predeceased by his wife, Beatrice. Following cremation at Roselawn Crematorium, a Service of Remembrance was later held at Carnalea Methodist Church.

McFadden, John Thomas Brooks

J T B McFadden 

(Photo acknowledged to his daughters 

Facebook account with grateful thanks)

Lieutenant John Thomas Brooks McFadden (RNVR)

McFadden was born at Ivinder (?) Terrace, Armagh on 3rd April 1920 to Henry John McFadden, Grocer and Elizabeth Maria McFadden nee Brooks. They had married on 3rd September 1919 at Armagh Presbyterian Church. He was known as Brooks. 

 
McFadden joined the Belfast Banking Company on 6th September 1939. Adeline Kathleen Brooks (spinster, a maiden aunt?) formerly of the Belgravia Hotel, Lisburn Road, Belfast signed the guarantee. A further agreement was signed by Shirley Brooksmere of 158 Belfast Road, Holywood. Brooks is recorded as working in Ballyclare branch.

Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Ballyclare branch

The Belfast News-Letter of 3rd October 1940 reports that Mr Brooks McFadden attended an exhibition called ''Things I Saw in Paris' (location unknown).

McFadden volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Navy and served on the Atlantic Convoys and in the Pacific theatre.

Following demobilisation, McFadden continued his service with the RNVR being  promoted to Lieutenant on 2nd August 1956 with seniority back-dated to 25th November 1951.

 
McFadden  is recorded as being a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club in March 1947 paying 5 shillings subscription. 

Promotions followed with Lisburn (1952), Inspector (1956), Bradbury Place (1962 - Manager), Assistant General Manager (1967), Advance Controller (1970).

Belfast Bank, Lisburn branch

 

Belfast Bank, Bradbury Place branch

The Belfast Telegraph of 17th May 1971 reported on the career of McFadden in a 'promotion' article:

McFadden retired on 30th September 1976. 

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link of Spring 1973 and Autumn 1974 contain additional photographs of Brooks McFadden.

Campbell, Samuel MacDonnell

Lieutenant Samuel MacDonnell Campbell

Campbell was born at Dungiven on 16th October 1882 to Robert M Campbell, Hotel-keeper and Mary Campbell nee McDonnell (spelling as per birth registration). They had married on 9th November 1876 at Tamlaghtfinlagan Church of Ireland, Co. Londonderry.

On 26th March 1900 Campbell joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address at that time is recorded as Dungiven.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

In 1901 Campbell was boarding with the Allen family in house 59, Atlantic Avenue, Belfast. He is described as a Bank Official. There are 2 other boarders in the property.

Transfers followed his spell in Head Office with moves to Limavady (1903), Coleraine (1906 - Accountant), Larne (1910 - Cashier & Books) and Head Office (1915). 

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

Northern Bank, Larne branch

By 1911, Campbell was boarding with Minnie Murray and her companion, Margaret Gladwin in house 53, Main Street, Larne, Co. Antrim. He describes himself as a Banker.

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

On 7th May 1915, Campbell volunteered for war service and was commissioned into the Infantry General List with effect from 7th May 1915 (according to the London Gazette) and was allocated to the Lancashire Fusiliers (13th Bn.) as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was later attached to the 86th Trench Mortar Battery and promoted to Lieutenant. He served in Egypt before being posted to France (Coleraine Chronicle).

Campbell was killed in action on 1st July 1916. 

The Belfast News Letter of 11th July 1916 reports:

Another newspaper reported:

(Photo courtesy of Great War Belfast Newspapers)

The Coleraine Chronicle reported his death along with a civilian photo of him:

Courtesy of Nigel Henderson

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

S MacD Campbell - Medal Index Card

Campbell is buried in the Beaumont-Hamel British Cemetery, Somme, France.

Probate was granted at Dublin on 2nd October 1916 to Martin Richards, Dentist. Campbell's effects totalled £194 18s 9d.

Campbell is remembered on a private family memorial at Dungiven Parish Church.

Louise Millsopp tweeted that "She was honoured to lay this today (14th November 2021) .... Lest we Forget".

Family Headstone at Dungiven Parish Church
(Courtesy of Louise Millsopp)

Russell, James Dick

Leading Aircraftman James Dick Russell

Russell was probably born around 1919 / 1920 and was the son of the Rev. William Russell and Margaret Russell nee Dick. They had married on 5th June 1900 at Trinity Street Reformed Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

The Belfast Gazette dated 23rd June 1933 mentions the Rev. Wm Russell in a charitable bequest notice. A William Martin (manager) is also mentioned.

Russell probably joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1938 / 1939. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee and gave his address as 63 Cliftonville Road and later as 21 Brookvale Avenue, Belfast. Margaret Russell would later sign the guarantee.

Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Russell volunteered and enlisted as a LAC (Leading Aircraftman) in the RAF.

The Northern Whig of 9th May 1944 reports on the marriage of J D Russell RAF to Eileen Mary Clark WRNS on 29th April 1944 at the Methodist Church, Solihull.

Russell is recorded in the 1966 annual accounts of the Belfast Banking Company as being sub-manager of Donegall Square North branch (Central branch).

Belfast Bank, Central branch (Donegall Square North)

Irwin, James Stuart (Jnr)

Major James Stuart Irwin Jnr

Irwin was born at Carnalea on 20th June 1901 to James Stuart Irwin, House and Land Agent and Jessie Arnott Irwin nee Taylor. They were married on 19th March 1900 at Bangor Church of Ireland.

In 1911 Irwin (9) was living in house 8, Wandsworth Road, Belfast with his parents and brother, Dennis. Two servants, Susan Sexton (26) and Margaret McParland (24) were also living in the house.

The Lennonwylie website records Irwin being educated at Campbell College, Belfast:

1270. *Irwin, James Stuart (E), b. 20th June, 1901, son of J. S. Irwin, Redhill, Knock, Belfast. Brother of 1322. VI, April, 1919. School Prefect. 1st XV, 1918-19. Official, Belfast Banking Co. Ltd. Address: Gracehill House, near Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. (M.)

Following his education, Irwin would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1919 / 1920. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as Redhill, Knock, Belfast. James is recorded as working in Head Office and Central branch. His mother would later sign the guarantee.

Bankers Guarantee ledger page

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

Belfast Bank, Central branch (Donegall Square North)

James S Irwin Senior died in 1928.

The Belfast News-Letter of 29th April 1939 reported that James Stuart Irwin, late cadet lance-corporal Campbell College Contingent OTC to be a 2nd Lieutenant.

The London Gazette records a J S Irwin serving with the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC).

Jessie Arnott Irwin died in 1944.

Following service during the war, he was promoted to Captain (1947) and Major (1949) relinquishing his commission in 1956.

Jane (Jean) Irwin, beloved wife of J S Irwin died on 26th September 1972 and was cremated at Roselawn Crematorium, Belfast.