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

Morris, William Oliver Ernest

2nd Lieutenant William Oliver Ernest Morris (known as Ernest)

Morris was born at Gortmore, Omagh on 11th January 1895 to William Albert Morris, Sergeant in Army and Harriett Elizabeth Morris nee Montgomery. They had married on 16th May 1892 at Enniskillen Church of Ireland. His occupation was recorded as a Sergeant in the 1st Bn Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. her name was recorded as Annie (?) Elizabeth Montgomery.

In 1901 Morris (6) was living in army barracks in St Mary's, Kent with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers with his parents and 2 siblings; Albert Edward (8) and Mary Isabella (3).

In 1911 Morris was living in army barracks in China and Hong Kong with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers with his parents and 3 siblings; Albert, Mary and Alexandria Eleanor (9).

Following his education at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI - INST), Morris joined the Belfast Banking Company in 1913 and is recorded as working in the North City, Dublin branch. Oliver Robert Morris (an uncle ?) signed the Bankers Guarantee.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, North City, Dublin branch

On 7th September 1914 Morris volunteered and enlisted in Dublin into the South Irish Horse. He was later commissioned on 9th February 1915 to the King’s Regiment and was serving with 16th Bn. attached to the 12th Bn. The King's (Liverpool Regiment) as a 2nd Lieutenant when he was killed in action on 17th June 1916.

The battalion were in the trenches in front of Potiize, east of Ypres. Following a quiet day, they were heavily shelled at dusk, with the front and support trenches being bombarded about midnight. Six men were killed, including Morris. 

The Belfast News Letter of 23rd June 1916 reports:

Morris is buried in the Potiize Chateau Wood Cemetery, leper West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

The family memorial in Breandrum Cemetery in Enniskillen records Capt W A Morris MC (father) 19th March 1917 and his son Lieutenant E Morris 17th June 1916.

[Photo courtesy of Nigel Henderson, Great War Ulster Newspaper Archives]

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

Photograph courtesy of LennonWylie

The regimental magazine 'The Sprig' records Morris' death as follows:

['The Sprig' - Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers regimental magazine]

A Pension Card in favour of Ernest's mother was created:

Shannon, Benjamin

Private Benjamin Shannon

Shannon was born on 12th April 1880 to John Shannon (Labourer of Upper Ballingate, Co. Wicklow) and Sarah Shannon nee Kinch. They were married on 11th April 1878 at Christ Church (of Ireland), Gorey, Co. Wexford. Both their occupations are recorded as 'farmer'.

Date of Birth issues:

• The Irish Census 1901 records a Benjamin (20) as boarding in house 21 Clanmorris, Ardfert, Co. Kerry. His occupation is recorded as 'Ordnance Survey'. Two other 'OS' staff are boarding in this property. 

• The Irish Census 1911 records a Benjamin (29) living in house 32 Golden Lane, Wood Quay, Dublin.  His occupation is recorded as a Shop Assistant.

• On 10th March 1912 Benjamin (full age) married Emily Martha Wood. Both their addresses are recorded as 22 Adelaide Street, Kingstown. Benjamin's occupation is recorded as a Bank Porter. His father is recorded as Robert Shannon. [This does not agree with the birth record].

Prior to 1912 Benjamin Shannon became a Bank Porter for the Belfast Banking Company.

Shannon enlisted directly into the Royal Flying Corps (on 16th April) 1917 as a Class F Reservist (with Service Number 76056) eventually being appointed as a Air Mech 2.

An enquiry left on the forum of the '1914-1918.Invisionzone.com' led to Forum member, 'Harry Brook' advising me of the following details:

• R.A.F. Muster Roll 1918
• Air Force No. 76056
• Name Shannon B.
• R.N.A.S. or R.F.C. Trade Classification - K.B.S.(B.P.)
• Remustered to R.A.F. Trade Classification - Labourer
• R.N.A.S. or R.F.C. Rank or Appointment - Air Mech 2
• New Rank in Air Force - Private 1
• Date of Joining - 16.4.17
• Date of Last Promotion - 1.1.18
• Normal Rate Air Force Pay - 1s 8d
• Terms of Enlistment - DW

Shannon received the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. These were dispatched on 10th October 1921.

Following demobilisation, Shannon returned to work for the Belfast Banking Company (BBCo).

On 25th June 1956 Emily Martha Shannon (83 - housewife) died at Royal Bank House, 102 Upper Georges Street, Dun Laoghaire (formerly Kingstown).

The Belfast Banking Company had branches all over Ireland. At partition, the BBCo made the decision to sell all its (now) southern branches to the Royal Bank of Ireland.

1918 photograph of the Belfast Banking Company, Kingstown

The site of this building is now occupied by Dunnes Stores (re Google Earth image. Across the road is the former Royal Bank of Ireland branch and bank house. Bernard Shannon and his family probably entered via the left hand doorway.

Google Earth screen print of the former Royal Bank of Ireland branch in Dun Laoghaire

On 18th November 1962 Benjamin Shannon (81 - widower) died at 38 Belgrave Square, Monkstown. His occupation is recorded as a bank porter. Emily E Shannon, daughter was present at his death.

Thompson, Jackson Holmes

Sergeant Jackson Holmes Thompson

Thompson was born at Castlewellan on 5th August 1904 to Robert Thompson, Bank Manager and Martha Walker Thompson nee Holmes. They had married on 22nd April 1899 at Elmwood Presbyterian Church, Belfast. Robert's occupation is a Banker.

In 1901, Thompson was living with his wife, sister-in-law, Jane Holmes and a servant, Rose Anne McLean in house 101, Main Street, Bryansford, Co. Down. Robert's occupation is recorded as a Cashier (Northern Bank).

In 1911 Thompson (6) is living in house 149, Castlewellan with his parents and 2 sisters; Margaret Evelyn (10) and Kathleen Mary (8). A servant, Mary McClements is also present in the property. Robert records his occupation as a Bank Manager. It is probable that they were living in the Bank House.

Northern Bank, Bank House and branch, Castlewellan

On 1st April 1922 Thompson joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address is recorded as Northern Bank, Downpatrick. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Larne (1922 - Junior), Downpatrick (1924 - Junior), Head Office (1924 - Relief Staff), Head Office (1925 - Foreign Dept.), Portrush (1928 - Cashier), Head Office (1928 - Cashier), Antrim (1929 - Cashier), Windsor (1930 - Cashier) and Londonderry (1937 - Accountant).

Northern Bank, Larne branch

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

  

Northern Bank, Portrush branch

Northern Bank, Antrim branch

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

The Belfast News-Letter of  19th May 1931 printed this photograph of Thompson playing golf for Northern Bank at Portrush:

In 1939 Thompson applied to the bank for permission to join the 9th Anti-Aircraft Regiment, 3rd Anti-Aircraft Brigade, Royal Artillery with Service Number 1469066. The under-mentioned 'Tracer Card' records his joining date as 8th May 1939.

J H Holmes - WW2 Royal Artillery Tracer Card

On 2nd September he was ‘Called up on Active Service’ as a Gunner with promotions to Lance Sergeant and Sergeant following.  

The 'Tracer Card' indicates demobilisation as the end of 1945.

Thompson re-joined the Northern Bank at Head Office on 1st October 1945. Transfers followed to Connswater (1945), Donegall Square (1951), Willowfield (1958) and High Street (1961). 

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Northern Bank, Willowfield branch

 J H Thomson (sp) is mentioned in this newspaper article from 1966 re the opening of a new branch at 10 High Street, Belfast.

Jackson Thompson retired on pension on 31st March 1967.

Malseed, Robert (Bobby) Campbell

Robert (Bobby) Campbell Malseed

Malseed was born in 1922 to Henry Malseed and Frances Louisa E (?) Victoria Malseed nee Marks. They had married at 5 Deramore Drive, Belfast (brides home) on 12th October 1920.

Henry Malseed was a Belfast bank official and a Great War veteran.

Malseed was educated at Portora Royal and Belfast Royal Academy schools.

He joined the Belfast Banking Company in May 1940 and started in Larne branch. His father, Henry signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as Belfast Bank, Belfast and later Portrush Road, Portstewart.

Belfast Bank, Larne branch

Belfast Bank, Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

In 1941 Malseed volunteered and enlisted into the North Irish Horse regiment with Service Number 7905067. He saw action in North Africa and Italy. 

Malseed wrote about his army service and his return to civvy life in an article for the bank staff magazine. It is reproduced below.

Following demobilisation in 1946, he returned to work in Markets branch. 

Belfast Bank, Markets branch

Malseed was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club in March 1947 paying 5 shillings subscription.  

He also served in Magherafelt (1947), Ballymoney (1967 - Manager), Coleraine (1969 - Manager), Londonderry (1973 - Manager) and Lurgan (1979 - Manager) branches. 

Belfast Bank, Magherafelt branch

Belfast Bank, Ballymoney branch

Belfast Bank, Coleraine branch

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Belfast Bank, Lurgan branch

A profile and picture was published in the staff magazine ‘The Link’ (Summer 1979). 

A rugby picture of Malseed was published in the staff magazine ‘The Link’ (Summer 1982). 

Malseed retired on 30th April 1985 with a picture being published in the staff magazine ‘The Link’ (Summer 1985). 

Mrs L V Malseed, the widow of R C Malseed attended the 2000 re-dedication ceremony of the Rolls of Honour.

1940 and All That by Bobby Malseed (7905067)

The following article appeared in the Staff Magazine, The Link (Winter 1985).

It all started in 1936 or so when my generation, who were brought up on the old saying that the sun never sets on the British Empire and saluting the flag on Empire Day, had only two thoughts in mind, i.e. get a job and then join up if war came. 

I joined the Bank in May 1940 just before Dunkirk and after six months of dipped pens, passing irregular endorsements on cheques, failing to copy letters correctly and losing the National Insurance Cards I heard the call of King and Country very clearly.  

New Year’s Eve was spent behind a desk writing up Pass Books. With the pile of books growing higher and the singing of the soldiers outside getting louder as they welcomed in the New Year I knew my place was with them. 

After five years of hostilities I spent a final year in the Army of Occupation in Germany where there was a thriving Black Market with twenty cigarettes fetching 100 Marks and a bottle of Scotch costing 17 Marks. A good life was had by all. (The immorality was deplorable). 

At this stage it is only right to mention that during our service in the Forces the Officials at home were kind enough to subscribe to a Tobacco Fund organised by the late Hubert McManus (Hugh’s father) and I think we got 500 cigarettes per month and, believe me, they were very welcome. We never thought as we practically ate them in the tank that smoking was bad for our health and there were many other things around at that time that should surely have had a Government Health Warning. I remember going on leave from Italy and leaving instructions that my cigarette parcel was to be opened and shared leaving me 100 for myself – when I returned I was very surprised to see a lady whose character reference would surely be ‘trustworthy for any business engagement she would be likely to enter into’ smoking Gallaher Greens. 

On return to Markets Branch in October 1946 dressed in my demob suit (which everybody was given on demobilisation) it was difficult to adjust to the new life. 

You can imagine my predicament at 24 years of age just about being able to differentiate between a lodgement docket (white) and a cheque (pink) with the stale joke in my mind regarding the accountant who had a note on his desk about the Credit side being next the window which never struck me as being very funny as it was too near home for me. 

However, the staff were all very kind to me and took great patience to explain many times how to do my daily tasks. 

There were Welcome Home parties given by the churches and I will always remember Malone Rugby Club’s Welcome Home Dinner held in Thompson’s Restaurant where we received free Guinness which was very important to us in those days when ‘little things meant such a lot’. We also had our own annual Ex-Service Dinner which was very much enjoyed and, strangely enough, those “informal” occasions did not appear to affect our careers. I think that when we came home everybody hoped that we would blend into Society as soon and as painlessly as possible. 

As most of us are now well over 60 the meaning of ‘they shall grow not old as we that are left grow old’ becomes much more vivid. Those of us who parade on Armistice Sunday look round at our grey-haired comrades and think of how smart they once looked in the various uniforms and how the great bond of understanding and friendship has blossomed over the years between us and a great feeling of thankfulness to be alive is always prevalent.