Malseed, Henry

2nd Lieutenant Henry Malseed

Malseed was born at Edendale, Londonderry on 14th July 1892 to Robert C Malseed (Grocer and General Merchant and Elizabeth Malseed nee Hannah.

In 1901 Malseed (8) lived in house 5 Clooney Road, Waterside, Londonderry with his parents and 7 siblings; Robert W (25), James (24), Agnes (21), Alfred (19), Florence (16), Jennie (13) and Thomas H (11). Two servants, Annie Orr (28) and Maggie Dore (18) were also living in the house. Henry was recorded as 'Harry' on the census form.

By 1911 the family were living in house 7, Clooney, Londonderry. Elizabeth Malseed and her children, James (32), Jennie (22), Harry (18) and Agnes Doreen (6) were present along a servant, Mary Rodgers (32). Harry's occupation is not recorded. 

Malseed probably joined the Belfast Bank around 1910 and is recorded as working in Head Office. His mother, Elizabeth Malseed signed his Bankers Guarantee. James Malseed (brother) also signed it at a later date.

Henry Malseed - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

Malseed volunteered and enlisted into the 1st Bn. Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) with Service Number 2389. He was later commissioned into the 11th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers as a2nd Lieutenant.

H Malseed - Medal Index Card

His address on the Medal Index Card is recorded as 100 Balmoral Avenue, Belfast.

Malseed was awarded the 1915 Star, British War medal and the British Victory Medal for service in the Great War.

Pte H Malseed - Medal Roll - 1st Bn. Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) 

Pte H Malseed - Medal Roll - Royal Inniskillings Fusiliers

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records him as being 'previously wounded' with his last known location as 'invalided home'. Due to his injuries, Malseed was awarded a Silver War badge (Number 290745) as recorded below.

2nd Lt H Malseed - Silver War Badge

Malseed married Miss Frances Louisa E (?) Victoria Marks at 5 Deramore Drive, Belfast (brides home) on 12th October 1920.

A Pension Record card was also created for him as below:

2nd Lt H Malseed - Pension Record Card

 

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Henry returned to work eventually ending in Accountants Department.

Malseed and his wife, Frances had a child on 26th May 1922, Robert (Bobby) Campbell Malseed who would later also join the Belfast Bank. Bobby, as he was known would serve in the Second World War.  

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

 
Retirement came on 30th July 1956.

MacGrath, Reginald Robert Carew

Captain Reginald Robert Carson MacGrath MC

MacGrath was born at 2.2 Morehampton Road, Dublin on 4th July 1886 to William Ellison MacGrath, Gentleman and Kate MacGrath nee Carew. He was baptised on the 10th July 1886 at Donnybrook, Dublin. 

In 1901 Reginald (14) lived in house 5, Montpelier Parade, Blackrock, Dublin with his parents and 2 siblings; Kathleen (20) and William (23). A servant, Mary Limmons (27) also lived in the house. William MacGrath is recorded as being 'Retired from Bank'.

The Belfast News-Letter of 18th October 1904 carried a report of 'the remains of William Ellison MacGrath, late manager of the National Bank, Kingstown were interred today'.

Reginald would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1903/04 and is recorded as working in College Green, Dublin branch. His Bankers Guarantee was signed by his mother, Kate.

R R C MacGrath - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Banking Company, College Green, Dublin branch

By 1911 Reginald was boarding with the Templeton family in house 13, Sandy Street, Newry, Co. Down. He is described as a Bank Official.

Reginald volunteered and enlisted into the 2nd Bn. Royal Irish Regiment and attained the rank of Lieutenant (14th March 1916) and later, Captain. His Medal Index Card records his first theatre of war as France from 14th June 1915.

R R C MacGrath - Medal Index Card

The card records him as a Captain who has been awarded the MC - Military Cross. The London Gazette of 25th April 1919 records:

3rd R. Ir. Regt.: R R C MacGrath, M.C., is placed on the ret. list on account of ill-health contracted on active service, 27th Apr. 1919, and is granted the rank of Captain.

 

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records MacGrath as having been awarded military honours, the Military Cross (MC). His last known address is recorded as 'in France'.

Capt R R C MacGrath - Medal Roll 1

2/Lt R R C MacGrath - Medal Roll 2

The Medal Index Card records Reginald's address as (1) c/o Grace Bros, Lagos, Nigeria and then (2) Elm Park House, Elm Park Gardens, London, SW1.

Following his demobilisation and on 'account of ill-health contracted on active service', Reginald was eligible the Silver War Badge although I cannot find a record on Ancestry. A Pension Record Card also exists for Reginald.

Lt & A/Capt R R C MacGrath MC - Pension Record Card

The Irish Society (Dublin) of 30th April 1921 announced his engagement to Catherine Beatrice King-Church.

It is not thought that Reginald returned to the bank following demobilisation. There are a few sea voyages (found on Ancestry) between England & South Africa and return:

1922 - Lagos, Nigeria to Southampton - travelled with Catherine Beatrice MacGrath

1935 - England to Cape Town, South Africa - travelled with A N Other

1938 - Durban, South Africa to Southampton - travelled with Catherine MacGrath

1946 -  England to Cape Town, South Africa - solo trip

1948 - Mombasa, Kenya to England - travelled with Catherine MacGrath


Reginald Carew MacGrath of 23 Boxgrove Avenue, Guildford died on 29th March 1959. Probate records his estate going to Sheilagh Beatrice King-Church presumably a family member on his wifes side.

R C MacGrath - Probate

MacDonnell, Robert Campbell

Gunner Robert Campbell MacDonnell

MacDonnell was born at 11 De Burgh Terrace, Londonderry on 19th March 1900 to Robert MacDonnell, Bank Clerk and Virginia Mary MacDonnell nee McCulloch. Their surnames were recorded on the birth register as McDonnell. They were married on 27th April 1899 at Cumber Presbyterian Church, Londonderry.

In 1901 MacDonnell (1) was living in house 11, De Burgh Terrace, Londonderry with his parents and a servant, Catherine Boutcher (18). Robert (Senior) is described as a Bank Cashier. Their surname is recorded as MacDonnell.

By 1911 they have moved to house 30, Mill Street, Ballymena. The father is now recorded as a Bank Manager. A servant, Margaret Sara Wylie (22) is also living in the house.

Belfast Bank, Ballymena branch (Belfast Bank House)

MacDonnell would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1917 and is recorded as working in Markets and Whitehead branches. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee for him. Roberts wife, Anne Louise MacDonnell of The Square, Portaferry (also later of Belfast Bank House, Whitehead) later joined in the guarantee.   

R C MacDonnell - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

The Northern Whig of 29th September 1913 records a R C MacDonnell as winning a Foyle College swimming event over 2 lengths.

MacDonnell volunteered and enlisted as a Gunner with the Royal Garrison Artillery. Although Ancestry has records of a Robert McDonnell in the Royal Garrison Artillery, the enlistment date would record Robert as 15 years and 9 months. This is unlikely.

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, MacDonnell returned to work eventually ending up as Manager of Whitehead branch. He also served in Markets branch.

Belfast Bank, Markets branch (Victoria Street, Belfast)

The Ballymena Observer of 16th September 1921 reports on the marriage of John Alexander Givens, Cashier, Belfast Bank, Kilkeel and Miss Emily Lancashire. Robert is recorded in the article as giving the new couple a 'Silver Toast Rack'. His parents gave them a 'Salad Bowl'.

The British Newspaper Archive records a lot of articles with R C MacDonnell in them. Many are linked to his time in Portaferry branch and later in Whitehead branch.

Belfast Bank, Portaferry branch 

(acknowledged to J Miller Collection)

Belfast Bank, Whitehead branch 

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

Retirement for Robert came in 1961.

MacDonnell died on 18th April 1970.

 
The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Winter 1984)’ contains a photograph of Roberts father, Robert MacDonnell in Londonderry branch in the 1930’s.

Staff, 1930, Belfast Bank, Shipquay Street, Londonderry branch

MacDonnell, Hugh Herbert

Lance Corporal Hugh Herbert MacDonnell

MacDonnell was born at 3 Malone Avenue, Belfast on 13th May 1894 to Hugh MacDonnell (Bank Manager) and Agnes MacDonnell nee McClure. He was registered as Herbert Hugh MacDonnell. His parents had married on 8th July 1885 at Clarendon Street Reformed Presbyterian Church, Londonderry.

Hugh MacDonnell of Shankill Parish, Lurgan, Bank Manager (Belfast Banking Company, formerly Coleraine branch) married Agnes McClure of Londonderry at Clarendon Street Reformed Presbyterian Church, Londonderry on 8th July 1885.

Courtesy of Michael Dibb via https://www.geograph.ie/photo/5505643

Belfast Bank, Coleraine branch (Belfast Bank House)

Belfast Bank, Lurgan branch (Belfast Bank House)

In 1901 MacDonnell (6) lived in house 1, Rugby Street, Ormeau Ward, Belfast with his parents and 4 siblings; Winifred Beatrice (14), Evelyn Maude (13), Samuel Sydney (11) and Gwendoline Irene (9). A servant, Sarah Carson (22) also lived in the house.

Hugh MacDonnell Senior died at Rosgarvagh, Ravenhill Road, Belfast on 5th March 1910 aged 53.

By 1911 MacDonnell was living in house 57, Ravenhill Road, Ormeau Ward, Belfast with his mother and 2 sisters, Winfred and Irene. Hugh is described as a Bank Official.

MacDonnell would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1911/1912 working in Central and Bangor branches. His mother, Agnes signed his Bankers Guarantee.

H H MacDonnell - Bankers Guarantee Ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Central branch (Donegall Square North)

Belfast Bank, Bangor branch

Hugh MacDonnell volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Garrison Artillery and attained the rank of Lance Corporal.

He married Jean Greacen at Monaghan during quarter 3 of 1941. 

Hugh MacDonnell of 66 Sandhurst Drive, Belfast died on 6th May 1961 and is buried in plot E802 at Roselawn Cemetery, Belfast. His widow, Jean died on 19th January 1973 and is buried in the same plot although her name has not been inscribed on the headstone.

Grave of H H MacDonnell at Roselawn Cemetery, Belfast

Roll of Honour - May

It is with much sadness that the following bank officials died or were reported missing during either the Great War, World War II or the Northern Ireland Conflict.

07/05/1916 - Curran, Herbert - updated

09/05/1915 - Somers, William John Reeves - updated

13/05/1917 - Hogarth, Herbert Plunkett - updated

23/05/1944 - Best, Walter John - updated

Logan, Ernest Williamson

Lieutenant Ernest Williamson Logan

Logan was born at Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan on 13th July 1896 to Rev. John Logan Presbyterian Minister) and Anna Marie Logan nee Eakin. His name was not recorded on the birth registration until he received his baptismal name. His parents had married on 1st October 1895 at Carrickmacross Presbyterian Church.

E W Logan - Birth &Registration & Baptismal Name

In 1901 Logan (4) lived in house 25, Moydalgen, Dromara, Co. Down with his parents and brother, John Thompson (1). A servant, Anna Maria Gray (18) was also in the house.

The family was living in England for the 1911 census and are recorded as residing in Glenburn, Basford Park, Stoke On Trent, Wolstanton.

Logan studied for his bank Entrance Examination at Skerries College in Belfast. They advertised his exam success in the Belfast News-Letter of 18th September 1912:

Logan joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1912/13 working in Head Office and Central branches. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee for him.

Bankers Guarantee Ledger sheet 

Belfast Bank, Central branch (Donegall Square North)

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

Logan volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Irish Rifles where he attained the rank of Lieutenant. 

E W Logan - Medal Index Card

The Belfast News-Letter of 27th April 1917 records that E W Logan has completed his training at Fermoy and has been commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 20th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles.

His first theatre of war is recorded on the Medal Index Card as France from 22nd July 1917.

The Northern Whig of 23rd January 1918 reported that 2nd Lt E W Logan to be temporary .... on appointment to Indian Army Reserve of Officers from Royal Irish Fusiliers.

Following his demobilisation, Logan returned to work in the bank at Central branch. This advertisement was published in the Northern Whig of 22nd January 1921:

Logan was a member of the Irish Bank Officials' Association and in 1928 he was appointed to the Belfast committee rising to Honorary Secretary in the mid 1940s.

Logan's father, Rev. Dr John Logan died in March 1957. His obituary in the Ballymena Weekly Telegraph of 7th March 1957 mentioned John and his brother, F S Logan, Manager, Northern Bank, Keady.

Lockhart, John Thomas

Lance Corporal John Thomas Lockhart

Lockhart was born at Cargin, Forkhill, Co. Armagh on 29th January 1890 to John Lockhart (Sergeant, Royal Irish Constabulary) and Margaret Lockhart nee Magill. They had married on 6th September 1883 at Eglinton (Street) Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

John Lockhart (Senior) died at Portballintrae on 13th March 1908 aged 52. He had been a Petty Sessions Clerk.

In 1911, Lockhart (21) was living in house 19, Orient Gardens, Cliftonville, Belfast with his mother (51) and 3 siblings; Frederick James (26), Ellie (24) and Joanna (22). John has recorded his occupation as a Bank Clerk.

Lockhart later joined the Belfast Banking Company and worked in Head Office. 

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

Lockhart's father, John Lockhart of Bushmills signed his Bankers Guarantee.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee Ledger

A later Bankers Guarantee was signed by Robert Lockhart of 33 Bedford Street, Belfast and Margery Kate Lockhart of Belfast Bank House, Londonderry.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee Ledger

In April 1913, Lockhart passed the final examination of the Institute of Bankers, gaining first place in Ireland and third in the United Kingdom.

In September 1914, Lockhart volunteered and enlisted into 'D Squadron’, North Irish Horse and attained the rank of Lance Corporal. His Service Number is recorded as 1219 with the NIH. Another number, 71288 is recorded with the Corps of Hussars.

J H Lockhart - Medal Index Card

This photograph and article about John Lockhart appeared in the Coleraine Chronicle in January 1915:

[Image courtesy of Nigel Henderson]

It describes Lockhart as having left Antrim with his troop some time ago en route for active service, and is now temporarily quartered near Bedford.

His Medal Index Card records John's first theatre of war as France from 1st May 1915.

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet describes Lockhart as 'being in hospital' with his last known address as Queenstown, Ireland.

He was demobilised in 1919 and transferred to the Class Z Army Reserve. 

Following his demobilisation after the Great War, Lockhart returned to work in the bank. various newspaper extracts record him as working in Ballymena branch prior to his transfer as manager on Londonderry.

Belfast Bank, Ballymena branch

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

The Belfast News-Letter of 3rd June 1954 reports the engagement of John's 3rd daughter, Katherine Elizabeth (Betty) to E B C Gwinnell. John is mentioned as having been awarded the MBE.

Retirement for Lockhart came in 1945. 

PRONI Will Calendars records Lockhart, John Thomas of 35 Carolhill Park, Holywood Road, Belfast retired bank manager, died 16th December 1961. Probate Belfast, 27th April 1962 to Belfast Bank Executor and Trustee Company Limited. Effects £2008 12s. 11d.

Further information on John Lockhart is recorded on the excellent North Irish Horse website.

Little, David Allen

2nd Lieutenant David Allen Little

Little was born at Poyntzpass, Co. Armagh on 2nd May 1900 to David Little, Farmer and Gertrude Little nee Wallace. They had married on 9th May 1894 at St. Matthew's Church of Ireland, Scarva.

In 1901 Little (0) lived in house 34, Poyntzpass, Co. Armagh with his parents and 2 siblings; John (4) and Flora (3). A servant, Maggie McKeown also lived in the property.

Gertrude Little died on 10th November 1904 at Poyntzpass aged 36.

Little would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1917 / 1918. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee and he is recorded as worked in College Green, Dublin and Navan branches.

D A Little - Bankers Guarantee ledger

Belfast Bank, College Green, Dublin branch

Belfast Bank, Navan branch

Little volunteered and enlisted with the 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards and attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

David Allen Little, Poyntzpass, Co. Armagh, retired civil servant died 2nd July 1952. Probate Belfast 15th December 1952 to John Little, postmaster and Harry Ledlie, farmer. Effects £1154 18s. 11d.