White, Louis McKelvey

Major Louis McKelvey White

White was born at Bridge Street, Cootehill, Co. Cavan on 2nd May 1911  to William John White, Solicitors Apprentice and Margaret Eleanor White nee Shimmons. They had married on 10th July 1894 at Newry Parish Church, Co. Down.

In 1911 (census day was 2nd April) William and Margaret lived at house 18 Bridge Street, Cootehill with their 2 sons Edwin (11) and Geoffrey (7).  

Another brother, Tom and a sister Eve (or Eva) lived with their grandfather, William White at  6 College Square, Camlough.

White was born one month later on 2nd May 1911. 

White was educated at the Masonic School, Richview, Dublin where he excelled at sport becoming captain of rugby and cricket. He was orphaned at the age of 17 whilst at school.

Michael White continues his story:

".... He was befriended by a man called Raymond Brooke, of the Brookeborough family, a Grand Master in the Masons and Managing Director of a wine importing company in Dublin. My father must have gone to stay with him in Sligo after leaving school when his mother died and prior to joining the Bank. ..... After arriving in Belfast to join the Bank, I believe he lived with his married sister Eva on the Upper Newtownards Road. .... Louis did mention to me at one time that had he pursued it, he could have had a career in the wine industry, but never mentioned Mr. Brooke. I have Brooke's name from an inscription in a book which he gave to my father, "as a memento of the game against B.R.A." Signed-- R.F. Brooke, and a little bit of "Googling" revealed the above information. ...."

On 17th July 1929, White was living in 'Gibraltar Cottage', Sligo when he joined Northern Bank at Head Office.  

Whilst in Belfast, he played for the North of Ireland Rugby Football Club. 

Transfers followed to Antrim Road (1932 - Junior) and Head Office (1935 - Stock Coupon).

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

White volunteered and enlisted into the 3rd Anti-Aircraft Brigade and was ‘Called up on Active Service’ on 24th August 1939 into the 8th Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. 

He married Connie on 6th October 1939, just one month after war was declared. As was the custom (bank rules) at the time, it is probable that as a junior and not earning very much, Louis would have had to request permission from the bank Director's to get married. Presumably the start of the war helped his case.

His rank and promotions were Bombardier, Lance Sergeant, Sergeant, 2nd Lieutenant, Lieutenant and Captain.  His Service Number (Officer) was 163000. 

He served at Dunkirk and in India and Burma from 1942 to the end of the war.

8th Belfast HAA Regiment, Royal Artillery - probably around 1945. 

Acknowledgements to lennonwylie

Michael White was born in 1943 and was educated at Coleraine Inst.

White resumed duty with the Northern Bank on 15th November 1945 at Head Office. Transfers followed to Donegall Square (1945 - Junior, Ledgers, Control Clerk, Teller), Portrush (1956 - Teller), Markets (1962 - Sub-Manager) and High Street (1967 - Joint Manager).  

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Northern Bank, Portrush branch

Northern Bank, Markets branch

A newspaper advertisement in the Belfast Telegraph dated 7th December 1970 advises readers that the Northern Bank, Belfast Bank branch, Castle Place, Belfast has closed and the business merged with the branch at 10 High Street, Belfast. The joint managers are Mr L McK White and Mr J F McIlmoyle.

Merger of 17 Castle Place with 10 High Street, Belfast

White continued his Army career in the Territorial Army rising to the rank of Major. Retirement from the Army came on 9th December 1961 having exceeded the age limit. 

He retired on ill-heath grounds in 1971. 

In 1972, he and Connie joined their son, Michael and his wife in Auckland, New Zealand.

White is remembered on his school roll of honour:

Masonic Boys School, Dublin - Roll of Honour

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Winter 1972)’ contains this article:

The Link. Winter 1972

Connie White died on 10th August 1980 and Louis on 27th January 1982. They are both buried in Auckland, New Zealand.

Acknowledgements to Louis White's son, Michael for additional information.

Also see this blog by Michael White who writes about living in Portrush when his dad was a cashier in the Northern Bank there:

Portrush Tales - part 1

Portrush Tales - part 2 

Thomson, Benjamin Black

Private Benjamin Black Thomson

Thomson was born in Fort Meade, Polk, Florida, USA on 27th August 1891 (Ancestry family tree) to Isabela Lyle Thomson.

In 1901, Thomson (10) is living with his mother and 2 siblings; Catherine Olive (9) and Hugh Lyle (4) and a servant, Jane Wray are also present in the property. His grandfather, John Oliver Horner, his uncle, John Lyle Horner and an aunt, Lizzie Alexandra Horner are also present. J O Horner is the Head of Family.

Thomson would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1908. His grandfather, J O Horner, Merchant of Main Street, Limavady signed the Bankers Guarantee. Benjamin is recorded as working in Ballymena branch.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Ballymena branch

In 1911 he is boarding with the McKeown family in house 18, Scotch Street, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone. The property is described on the census as a 'private dwelling, Temperance Hotel'. It has 3 other boarders and 4 servants also in residence. Benjamin's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk.  

Thomson's mother and brother, Hugh Lyle Thomson (14) are living in house 5, Salisbury Terrace, Portrush, Co. Antrim.

On 4th September 1914 Thomson volunteered and enlisted into the (North Belfast) Royal Irish Rifles with Service Number 13733 or 3733. There is no further evidence of his army career.

Army Attestation Form - signed 4th September 1914

Ancestry records a Benjamin B Thomson sailing on the 'Orontes' from London to Australia on 3th June 1915. His occupation is recorded as a Clerk.

A 1917 Electoral Roll is held on Ancestry for Swan, Katanning, Australia recording Benjamin Black Thomson, National Bank with his wife, Edith Maud Thomson (nee King). 

Thomson's mother, Isabela Thomson, aged 52, died at Portrush on 23rd June 1921.

There is no available evidence of Thomson returning to Northern Ireland although a Benjamin Black Thomson died on 28th January 1959 and is buried in Ballywillan Cemetery, Portrush.

McElvaine, Andrew Floyd

Lieutenant Andrew Floyd McElvaine

McElvaine was born within the Lisnabrague townland, Scarva on 11th January 1895 to Andrew McElvaine JP and Susan McElvaine nee Poole. They had previously married on 24th March 1894 at Banbridge Registry Office.

In 1901 he lived in house 14, Lisnabrague, Scarva, Co. Down with his parents and 3 siblings; Annie Martha, Mary Winifred and Edmund. 3 servants and a visitor were also present on census day.  

By 1911 the property was known as house 7, Lisnabrague, Scarva, Co. Down.  Living in the house with McElvaine was his parents, 5 siblings; Annie Martha, Mary Winifred, Nora Dorothy, Susan Ratha, and Henry Norman. There was also a governess and 2 servants present. Edmund (15) was at boarding school in Lisburn (house 5.1 Lisnagarvey - Ulster Provincial School).

The Newry Reporter dated 22nd November 1911 has an advertisement for 'Stapleton's Academy'. It quotes 'Our successes for the term just ended: Last Belfast Bank exam, Mr A F McElvaine, Scarva.

Advertisement re Stapleton's Academy - AF McElvaine bank exam results

McElvaine would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1912 working in Cookstown and Portadown branches.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Cookstown branch

Belfast Bank, Portadown branch

His father, McElvaine died on 5th January 1914.

On 30th December 1914 McElvaine enlisted into the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) with Service Number (RNAS) was F2889. His period of engagement was 'for hostilities'.

[Royal Navy Record Card]

His first theatre of war is recorded on his Medal Index Card as France from June 1915. Union Lodge, Scarva Street, Poyntzpass is recorded as his address.

He served on the 'Pembroke III' and the 'President II' before becoming an Armoured Car Driver in July 1915. A further period at sea on the 'President ?' followed from October 1915.  His rank was Chief Petty Officer.

He later served with the Royal Irish Fusiliers.  On 8th January 1916, he attained the rank of Temporary 2nd Lieutenant. Transferred to HB MGC on 16th December 1916 ('D' Battalion).

McElvaine was wounded on 5th May 1917. Later he was treated for treated trench fever at Poperinge and returned home.

The Belfast News Letter of 17th May 1917 reports:

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records McElvaine as 'previously wounded'.

McElvaine was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

A 22 year old brother, Edmund (farmer) passed away on 18th November 1918 as a result of the influenza pandemic. 

The London Gazette dated 23rd April 1920 records two entries:

Tank Corps

Temp. Lt. A. F. McElvaine relinquishing the Acting rank of Capt. on ceasing to be employed as (an) Instructor - 1st October 1919.

Temp. Lt. A. F. McElvaine relinquishes his commission on completion of service, 4th January 1920, and is granted the rank of Captain.

It is not known if Andrew returned to the Belfast Banking Company. However, from the following evidence, he may have joined a London based bank and continued his career in London, Argentina and Spain.

There are various records on Ancestry of an A F McElvaine departing and returning to the UK from Argentina.

On 15th August 1935, an A F McElvaine (40) arrived in London from La Plata, Argentina with Hazel (Knapp), Denis McElvaine (24) and Denis Philip McElvaine (1). AFM is described as a bank employee with an address at 6-8 Tokenhouse Yard, London.

On 18th November 1950, an A F McElvaine departed London for Argentina. Described as a bank clerk with an address at 25 Fifth Avenue, Baylands, Bangor.

On 25th February 1984, an A F McElvaine died in Malaga, Spain leaving the sum of £26,188 (probate, London, 4th December 1984.

1935 saw the Union Lodge estate being sold.

Belfast Telegraph, 13th December 1935

Union Lodge, Scarva, County Down - no date. Courtesy Denis McElvaine

A son, Denis survives and lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Denis wrote:

"Yes my dad sent to Russia in (I think) 1917 as tank instructor to the white russians. A link may be found : McElvaine/Wrangel. After demob he joined the ?? Bank and was posted to Medellin Colombia.  He later was posted to the Bank of London and South America in Posadas Misiones where he met my mother  Hazel Knapp and where I was born in 1934  Transferred to Buenos Aires where he worked at the BOLSA until 1955 when he was advised to leave Argentina for criticism of the government. He retired and went finally to live in Fuengirola, southern Spain where he died in 1984. My father was very reticent about his war service and about his Ulster family. I do know that he was presented with the Cross of St. George by General Wrangel for his service."

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.

Nesbitt, William Alexander

Signaller William Alexander Nesbitt

Nesbitt was born at Toberdowney, Ballynure, Co. Antrim on 26th August 1899  to the Rev. Samuel T Nesbitt, Rector of Ballynure and Agnes Bailie Nesbitt nee Hill. They had married on 17th February 1897 at Christ's Church, Ballynure.

In 1901 Nesbitt (1) was living in house 7, Toberdowney, Ballynure, Co. Antrim with his parents, a sister, Mary Evelyn (2), a nurse, Catherine McCready and a servant, Catherine Smyth.

In 1911 Nesbitt was living in the same house with his parents and 5 siblings; Mary Evelyn, John Herbert (10), Florence Agnes (7), Dorothy Sarah (6), and Gladys Josephine(4). A servant, Lizzie Johnston Patton and a visitor, Elizabeth Ward were also present in the property. 

Nesbitt joined the Belfast Bank on 16th April 1917 and is recorded as working in Derry and East End branches and Accountants Department, Head Office. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as The Rectory, Ballynure and later as 90 Church Street, Newtownards. A later signatory to the guarantee was his mother, Agnes Bailie Nesbitt of 90 Church Street, Newtownards.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Belfast Bank, East End branch

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Accountants Department

According to the bank 'Roll of Honour', William Alexander Nesbitt served as a Signaller (Private) with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. However, I am unable to identify him in the on-line databases.

The Belfast Bank 'Roll of Honour' records him with a last known address in Grimsby.

Belfast Bank - 'Roll of Honour' booklet

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Nesbitt re-joined the bank. His address is recorded as Ingleside, Browns Bay, Islandmagee. He was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club on 30th March 1946 paying 5 shillings subscription and was working in Head Office.

Nesbitt was a committee member of the Royal British Legion, Cavehill branch along with colleagues, Major W F Irvine, Commander D McC Duff,   H Malseed, R C Malseed and A Henderson.

Retirement came on 16th April 1962.

William A Nesbitt died on 23rd September 1978.

Oldham, Edward Garr Wesley

2nd Lieutenant Edward Garr Wesley Oldham

Oldham was born at 43 Prospect Terrace, Belfast  on 27th May 1887  to Edward Garr Oldham, Clerk and Agnes Rebecca Oldham nee Mulholland. They had married on 24th August 1884 at the St Mary Magdalene Church of Ireland, Belfast.

43-47 Prospect Terrace, University Road, Belfast - courtesy of Albert Bridge via Geograph.ie

In 1901 Oldham (13) lived in house 111, Lisburn Road, Windsor Ward, Belfast with his parents and 4 siblings; Leslie (5), Thomas (8), Henry (12) and John (3 - dob 28th August 1897 - see below). In addition to the immediate family, there were 3 aunts; Sarah Mulholland, Mary Mulholland and Jane Mulholland, a nurse, Kathleen Donald and a servant, Ellen Farrell.

Oldham would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1905 and is recorded as working in Markets branch and Head Office. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as 184 Hampton Terrace, Lisburn Road, Belfast and later as 11 Eglantine Avenue, Belfast. Edward's wife, Emmy Victoria Oldham later signed the guarantee and gave her address as 19 Rosetta Avenue, Belfast.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street

Belfast Bank, Markets branch

By 1911 their property was now described as house 184, Lisburn Road, Windsor Ward, Belfast. Both father and son are described as Bank Officials. The parents, a servant (*) and the 5 boys are present in the house.

On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, Edward Oldham Senior signed the Ulster Covenant at Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast giving his address as 184 Lisburn Road, Belfast.

Oldham volunteered and enlisted into the 10th Royal Irish Rifles with Service Number was 10/15717.  His first theatre of war was recorded as France from 5th October 1915. He was later promoted to Lance Corporal.

Promotion to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant was attained in August 1917.

E G Oldham - Medal Index Card
(Address: 6 Chichester Avenue, Belfast)

On 15th September 1917 Oldham married Emily (Emmie) Victoria Nicol of Belfast at Duncairn Presbyterian Church. Edward's occupation is recorded as a military officer.

The Belfast News Letter of 1st May 1918 reports:

As an officer, Oldham had to apply for his medal entitlement. He was awarded the 14/15 Star, the Victory medal and the British War Medal. 

E G Oldham - Medal Roll 1

E G Oldham - Medal Roll 2

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Oldham returned to work. The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' records Oldham as having been 'previously wounded' with his last known address as 'in France'.

Belfast Bank - 'Roll of Honour' booklet

Oldham is remembered on the Balmoral Golf Club Roll of Honour along with his brother John Byers Oldham. John served in the Army Service Corps (T4/149974); North Irish Horse (2665) and the North Irish Horse/Royal Irish Fusiliers (41346).

Balmoral Golf Club War Memorial / Roll of Honour
- Courtesy of John McCormick

Balmoral Golf Club War Memorial / Roll of Honour
- Courtesy of John McCormick

Oldham was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club on 26th March 1945 paying 5 shillings subscription.

Retirement came in 1948.

Edward Oldham died on 6th November 1949 aged 63 in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. His last address was 19 Rosetta Avenue, Belfast.

(*)  1901 Irish Census - Ellen Farrell (36), Rostrevor, County Down. Married on 16th July 1903 to Patrick McKenna at St Peter's Roman Catholic church, Belfast. This information has been included as a descendant of Ellen Farrell is trying to source a photograph of her.