Morrison, Samuel McGowan

2nd Lieutenant Samuel McGowan Morrison

Morrison was born at Elmgrove, (Grampian Avenue), Belfast on 16th October 1898 to William Morrison, Schoolteacher and Alice Morrison nee Jellie. They had married on 8th July 1891 at Killinchy Presbyterian Church.

 
In 1901 Morrison (2) is living in house 1, Cyprus Park, Pottinger Ward, Belfast with his parents and 2 siblings; Adelaide (5) and Frederick (4). A servant, Mary McElroy is also present in the house.

In 1911 Morrison is living in house  1, Cyprus Park, Pottinger Ward, Belfast with his parents and 3 siblings; Adelaide, Frederick and Jim (8). 

 
Morrison would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1916 and worked in Head Office. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Waring Street

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee

 
Morrison volunteered and enlisted into the 14th Bn. Cheshire Regiment attaining the rank of Lieutenant & Acting Captain. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from August 1916.

S McG Morrison - Medal Index Card

(Address: 'Fernleigh', Windsor Avenue, Bangor)

The Belfast News Letter of 31st March 1917 reports his invalided return from France to London with septic poisoning:

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records Morrison as being 'wounded in action'.

Following demobilisation, Morrison did not return to the bank. He became a medical student at Queen's University, Belfast.

Morrison married Miss Dorothea Maud White on 16th November 1920 at the Belfast Registrars Office giving his address as Cyprus Park, Belfast and her address as Seacliff Road, Bangor.

Morrison and his family moved to work as a Doctor with his address in a register as: 'Rosewarne', Coleford, Gloucestershire, England.

He died in  Gloucestershire, England on 16th April 1941. This note has been attached to an Ancestry family tree:

Houston, Thomas

Lieutenant Thomas Houston MC

Houston was born at Market Street, Magherafelt on 26th February 1894 to William Kerr Houston, Boot and Shoe Merchant and Jane Hannah Houston previously Steele (widowed, married John Steele, a boot and shoe merchant, 1884). They had married by 'special licence' on 25th September 1890 at Edenmore, Coleraine into the Form & Discipline of the Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 Houston (6) was living in house 6 Market Street, Magherafelt with his parents, a step-sister and 3 siblings; Annie E Steele (14 *), William E (8), Joseph M (6) and Helen F (4). A servant, Margaret Moore and a workman, John Wilkinson were also present in the property.

(*) Annie Elizabeth Steele was born at Market Street, Magherafelt on 10th July 1886 to John Steele, Boot and Shoe Merchant and Jane Steele nee Henry. They had married on 18th July 1884 at Magherafelt Presbyterian Church. John Steele, 40, Leather Merchant died on 21st August 1886 at Market Street, Magherafelt. 

In 1911 Houston's parents were living in house 21 Market Street, Magherafelt with 2 daughters; Helen L (15) and Ruth (9). A servant, Maggie Moore and 2 visitors, Annie Dougan and Mary Donaghy were also present in the property.

On Census Day, 2nd April 1911 Houston (17) was boarding with the Stephenson family in house 47 Market Street, Magheranure, Cootehill, County Cavan. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk.

The bank staff ledger records Houston as joining Northern Bank on 6th September 1911 at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Raphoe (1911 - Junior), Lurgan (1913 - Junior) and Head Office (1916).

Northern Bank, Lurgan branch

The Northern Bank Centenary Volume (1925) records Houston as volunteering and enlisting into the Cadet Company, (Princess Victoria's) Royal Irish Fusiliers as a Private. The bank staff ledger records him volunteering on 25th April 1916 with his unit being the ‘Artists Rifles’. 

Thomas Houston - Medal Index Card

(Address: 42 Wellington Park, Belfast

Houston was gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 10th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers and later posted to the 1st Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers.

The Belfast News Letter of 31st March 1917 reports:

Houston was later promoted to Lieutenant. The Medal Index Card records his first theatre of war as France from 20th April 1918. He saw action with the Allied Advances 1918, was injured by a gunshot wound to the neck (Northern Bank Centenary Volume, 1925).

The Belfast News Letter of 21st September 1918 reports the awarding of the Military Cross (MC):

The Belfast News Letter of 11th November 1918 reports the awarding of the Military Cross (MC):

Demobilisation for Houston came in October 1919. As an officer, Houston applied for his British Victory Medal and the British War Medal on 28th February 1923.

Memorial tablet in the 

Union Road Presbyterian Church, Magherafelt 

[Courtesy of Nigel Henderson].

Houston is also recorded on the 'also served' section of the Coleraine Academical Institution war memorial.

Following his demobilisation, Thomas re-joined the Northern Bank on 10th November 1919 at Head Office. He stayed in Head Office until 1925 when he was transferred to Grafton Street (Sub-Manager).

Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin

The Northern Whig of 8th August 1929 reported the engagement of Thomas to Miss Amy Margaret Wills with the wedding taking place in September.

Their marriage took place on 4th September 1929 at St Alban C of E, Streatham Park, London. 

Transfers followed to Kells (1935 - Manager) and Limavady (1943 - Manager).

The Belfast News-Letter of 9th September 1936 reports the birth of a son on 2nd September 1936 at the Park Nursing Home, Dublin to Mr & Mrs T Houston, Northern Bank House, Kells, Co. Meath.

The Belfast News-Letter of 6th August 1949 reported the death of Amy Margaret Houston nee Wills at Dublin on 5th August 1949 of Northern Bank House, Limavady.

Cheques drawn on Northern Bank, Limavady branch, 1963

Bank description from Ulster Architectural Heritage group

Thomas Houston, 61, of City Hotel, Londonderry died on 5th November 1955 at Boswell's Hotel, Molesworth Street, Dublin. His death was registered in Dublin by his son, J C Houston of 46 Leeson Park, Dublin.

Probate (NI) was granted to Edith Ann Dudgeon, widow and Henry Leslie Wills, bank official. His effects were £3,374 13s 2d. The probate (England) recorded his effects as £1,425 15s 10d.

Additional personal information courtesy of Nigel Henderson.

MacBride, Thompson Gamble

2nd Lieutenant Thompson Gamble MacBride

MacBride was born at 7 Castlereagh Place, Belfast on 17th May 1895 to Joseph MacBride, Printer and Phoebe MacBride nee Gamble. They had married on 25th July 1894 at Holywood Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 MacBride was living in house 268 Ravenhill Road, Belfast with his parents and brother Norman. A servant, Mary Ann McCaffery was also present in the property.

In 1911 MacBride (15) was living in house 32, Knock Road, Belfast with his parents and 2 siblings; Henry Norman (12) and Anna Marjorie (9). An aunt, Mary Gamble is also present in the house.

On 28th September 1912, MacBride signed the Ulster Covenant at the Old Town Hall, Belfast giving his address as Beacon Field, Knock, Belfast.

Following his education at Campbell College, MacBride joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1913.

MacBride served with Queen's University Officer Training Corps before joining the Royal Irish Fusiliers and attaining the rank of Lieutenant. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 28th September 1916.

T G MacBride - Medal Index Card
(address: 1 Adelaide Street, Belfast)

His Medal Index Card above records that he was eligible for a Silver War Badge from 27th March 1919 although there is no record on the SWB register of one being issued.

The Belfast News Letter of 13th November 1915 reports:

He worked in Head Office and Newtownards branch.

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street

Belfast Bank, Newtownards branch

T G MacBride - Medal Roll

A Pension Record exists for a T G McBride, Royal Irish Fusiliers. 

T G McBride - Pension card

MacBride is recorded as arriving in London on a sailing from Hong Kong in 1920. His occupation is recorded as an Army Officer.

He was a member of Ballymacarrett Masonic Lodge:

The Ancestry website records a T G MacBride as serving in the Royal Ulster Rifles during the Second World War.

MacBride took up the law as a profession. The PRONI Wills database records:

"MacBride Thompson Gamble of 77 Malone Road Belfast barrister-at-law and civil servant died 31 May 1956 Administration Belfast 25 June to Mary MacBride the widow. Effects £1020 16s. 3d."

Thompson MacBride, last known residence 77 Malone Road, Belfast died on 31st May 1956 aged 61 and is buried in plot B3 21 at Dundonald Cemetery. His father, Joseph (94) died on 18th February 1959 and a Mary Adelaide MacBride (88) died on 2nd October 1990 are also buried in that plot.

Memorial to T G MacBride

MacBride Family Plot at Dundonald Cemetery

MacBride Family Plot at Dundonald Cemetery

CWGC Headstone for T N MacBride

Fryar, William Leonard

Lieutenant William Leonard Fryar

Fryar was born at Scarva Street, Banbridge on 12th June 1894 to Samuel Fryar, Solicitor and Letitia Elizabeth Fryar previously Card nee Sterling. They had married on 6th September 1893 at Ballynafeigh Church of Ireland, Belfast. 

Letitia was a widow of Thomas Card who died on 15th January 1892. Letitia and Thomas Card had married on 19th November 1878 at Banbridge Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 Fryar (6) was living in house 86, Scarva Street, Banbridge with his parents, his sister, Olive Mary (4) and a step-sister, Bessie Greer Card (21). A servant, Sarah Jennings also lived in the property.

By 1911 the property was known as house 65, Scarva Street, Banbridge. Fryar was living there with his parents and sister, Olive. A servant, Annie Elizabeth Browne was also present in the property.

On 23rd August 1911, Fryar joined Northern Bank in Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Castlewellan (1913 - Junior), Head Office (1913 - Junior) and Clones (1914 - Junior).

Northern Bank, Castlewellan branch

Northern Bank, Clones branch

Whilst based in Clones branch, on 31st December 1914, aged 21, Fryar volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Navy with Service Number F2900.

W L Fryar - Royal Navy Record Card

Fryar was discharged from the Royal Navy on 30th April 1915 to take up a commission in the army.

He was gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 17th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, transferred into the Machine-Gun Corps, and eventually being promoted to Lieutenant. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 31st August 1916.

W L Fryar - Medal Index Card

The Belfast News Letter of 30th October 1916 reports:

 
The Northern Banking Company 1924 Centenary Volume describes him as a Petty Officer. 

Further action was seen in the Somme 1916, Ypres 1917 and Cambrai 1917 before being demobilised in January 1919. Fryar was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. 

On 17th November 1918, Fryar married Miss Norah Evelyn Elsie Taylor who also worked in Royal Avenue branch. They had 3 children, one surviving and living in Switzerland and well into his 80's.

Following demobilisation, he re-joined the Northern Bank at Head Office on 17th February 1919. He was transferred to Royal Avenue (Ledgers & Teller) in the same year, Donegall Square (1927 - Paying Teller) and Dungloe (1928 - Manager).   

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch

On 26th March 1922, Seapatrick Parish Church honoured the dead of the Great War with the dedication of a stained glass window. Around 200 ex-servicemen paraded with Lieutenant W L Fryar amongst other officers. 

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Northern Bank, Dungloe branch

The Derry Journal of 2nd December 1931 reports Mr Fryar of Northern bank, Dungloe as attending a local funeral.

Later transfers were to Bangor (1933 - Manager) and Omagh (1941 - Manager). 

Northern Bank, Bangor branch

The Belfast News-Letter of 20th February 1934 reports the birth of a son to Nora, wife of W L Fryar, Northern Bank.

Northern Bank, Omagh branch

The Northern Whig of 20th June 1945 reported the engagement of Leading Wren Patricia Fryar, Northern Bank, Omagh to Flight Lieutenant Peter William Fels, RNZAF with the marriage taking place shortly. The marriage took place on 2nd July 1945 and was reported in several newspapers.

The Northern Whig of 8th November 1945 reported the engagement of Miss Elizabeth Fryar, American Red Cross to Major C A Lord MC, 5th Battalion, The Sherwood Forresters.

The Campbell College Register of Lennon Wylie records Fryar, John Leonard Hamilton (C), b. 17th February, 1934, son of W. L. Fryar, Northern Bank House, Omagh. U.VI, July, 1951. Scholar. Modern Languages Sizar, T.C.D., 1951. Address: Northern Bank House, Omagh, Co. Tyrone. [LennonWylie]

The Northern Whig of 5th June 1953 reported that Mrs Nora Fryar was a recipient of the Coronation Medal.

Fryar retired on pension on 30th April 1956.

William Fryar, Shimna Road, Newcastle died on 14th August 1961 at Downe Hospital, Downpatrick. Probate was granted to Northern bank.

McIlwaine, James Condy

Company Sergeant Major (CSM) James Condy McIlwaine

McIlwaine was born at Strandtown, Belfast on 30th July 1891 to James McIlwaine, Gardener and Annie McIlwaine nee Condy. They had married on 15th May 1890 at Great Victoria Street Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 McIlwaine (9) is living in house 123, West Division, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim with his parents and 4 siblings; Eva (8), John (6), Gilbert (5) and Alfred (4). They were members of Joymount Presbyterian Church, Carrickfergus.

On 5th December 1907 McIlwaine joined Northern Bank at Head Office.  

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Fintona (1908 - Junior), Oldcastle (1911 - Junior), Grafton Street (1913 - Relief), Head Office (1913 - Junior) and Coleraine (1913 - Junior).

Northern Bank, Fintona branch

Northern Bank, Oldcastle branch

Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin branch

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

By 1911, McIlwaine was living in house 8, North Street, Carrickfergus with his parents and his 4 siblings. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Official.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, McIlwaine signed the Ulster Covenant at Carrickfergus Court House.

Whilst working in Coleraine, McIlwaine volunteered and enlisted on 15th September 1914 into the 12th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles (RIR) as a Private with Service Number 12/18305. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 5th October 1915.

J C McIlwaine - Medal Index Card

McIlwaine was promoted first to Lance Corporal and through the ranks to Company Sergeant Major (CSM). Service was seen in the Somme 1916, Messines 1917, Ypres 1917 (Langemarck), St. Quentin 1918, Messines 1918 (Kemmel) and then the Allied Advance 1918.

Demobilisation came on 11th March 1919. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

J C McIlwaine - Medal Roll 1

 

J C McIlwaine - Medal Roll 2

McIlwaine married  Miss Ellen Grant on 21st March 1919 at 10 Victoria Avenue, Newtownards in the Usages of the Methodist Church. 

McIlwaine re-joined the Northern Bank on 1st April 1919 at Donegall Square branch. 

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Transfers followed to Crumlin Road (1920 - Cashier), Coleraine (1922 - Cashier and Sub-Manager), Boyle (1927 - Manager), Oldcastle (1933 - Manager), Head Office (1939 - Inspector and 1941 - Assistant Chief Cashier).

McIlwaine is named on the Roll of Honour in the New Row, Coleraine Presbyterian Church. He is also recorded on this website Carrickfergus Roll of Honour. where he is recorded as achieving the rank of Company Sergeant Major. The site also records him as being taken prisoner at the Somme in July 1916.

Ellen McIlwaine is recorded on an Ancestry family tree as dying on 26th September 1939 at Oldcastle.

James McIlwaine retired on pension on 31st December 1952.

Europeana 1914-1918 Project

The Europeana 1914-1918 team have advised me that they have published my story. 

You can view it by clicking this link:

https://www.europeana.eu/en/item/2020601/https___1914_1918_europeana_eu_contributions_4903

Best regards,
The Europeana 1914-1918 team

About the Europeana 1914-1918 Project

Background

Europeana 1914-1918 is based on an initiative at the University of Oxford where people across Britain were asked to bring family letters, photographs and keepsakes from the War to be digitised. The success of the idea – which became the Great War Archive – has encouraged Europeana, Europe’s digital archive, library and museum, to bring other national or local institutions across Europe into an alliance with Oxford University. The collaboration brings European stories online alongside their British, German, Slovenian, Luxembourgian, Irish, etc. counterparts in a World War One stories collection.

What we are doing

The project is collecting memorabilia and stories from the period of the Great War (1914-1918).  This phase of the project is focussing on European items: letters, postcards, photographs and stories from Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland, Slovenia and the UK.