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.

McCully, William Thomas Cochrane

Lieutenant William Thomas Cochrane McCully (RNVR)

McCully was born at Killough on 27th August 1914 to William McCully, Manager of Brickworks and Elizabeth McCully nee Cochrane. His birth registration only mentions the name 'William'.

 
On 8th March 1933 McCully joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address is recorded as Laharna, Killough, Co. Down. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Ballynahinch (1933 - Junior), Head Office – Relief Staff (1934 to 1936), Coleraine (1936 - Junior), Head Office (1941), Shaftesbury Square (1941 - Junior) and Head Office (1942).

The Belfast News-Letter of 21st December 1940 reports McCully as obtaining the 3rd place and prize in the Diploma in Foreign Exchange in the Institute of Bankers in Ireland examinations.

McCully was ‘Called up on Active Service’ on 1st March 1943 into the Royal Navy as a Rating. Promotions to Acting Sub-Lieutenant (RNVR) and Sub-Lieutenant followed.

 
Following demobilisation, McCully resumed service with the Northern Bank in 1946 at Portrush with a transfer to Bangor in 1948.

Northern Bank, Portrush branch

Northern Bank, Bangor branch

The London Gazette records McCully as a Temporary Lieutenant with seniority from 25th May 1948.

Lilley, Brian Martin

Lieutenant Brian Martin Lilley (RNVR)

Lilley was born at 40 Ardenlee Parade, Belfast on 22nd May 1921 to John Andrew Lilley, Secretary and Mrs Gertrude Lilley nee Boyles. They had married on 15th June 1920 at Newtownbreda Church of Ireland.

He was educated at Bangor Grammar School where he gained 12th place in Northern Ireland in Drawing in the Junior Leaving Certificate (Belfast News-Letter of 17th March 1937).

Lilley completed and passed his bank entrance examination held at Shaftesbury House College, University Street, Belfast in early 1939.

On 1st June 1939 Lilley joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address was recorded as 75 Groomsport Road, Bangor.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Windsor (1939), Head Office (1939) Maghera (1939), Limavady (1941) and Head Office (1941).

Northern Bank, Maghera branch

Cheques drawn on Northern Bank, Limavady branch

Lilley enlisted as an Ordinary Seaman in the RNVR (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve) in 1941. He was ‘Called up on Active Service’ on 7th June 1941.

The Belfast News-Letter of 10th December 1942 reported the marriage of Brian Martin Lilley RNVR to Dorothy Elizabeth Graham at First Bangor Presbyterian Church on 7th December 1942.

The London Gazette records a Brian Martin Lilley (Service Number 432068), late RNVR being promoted to Lieutenant in 1953 with seniority back to 1947.

The Belfast News-Letter of 1st November 1951 carries an advertisement mentioning a 'B M Lilley' for Dare-Inglis Products Limited who sell tubular steel furniture.

Kelly, Francis

Corporal Francis Kelly

Kelly was born at 14 Vernon Street, Belfast on 5th June 1909 to Michael Kelly, Spirit Grocer and Catherine Kelly nee Duffy. They had married at St Eugene's Chapel, Draperstown on 7th September 1908.

On 3rd February 1930 Kelly joined Northern Bank at Head Office. At that time his address was recorded as 33 Vernon Street, Belfast.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Virginia (1930), Oldcastle (1931), Strokestown (1934) and Head Office (1939).

Northern Bank, Virginia branch

Northern Bank, Oldcastle branch

On 14th November 1939 Kelly was ‘Called up for Active Service’ into the Royal Ulster Rifles (Armagh) as a Rifleman. Promotion to Lance Corporal and Corporal followed. He was in the Royal Ulster Rifles for 2 years and later transferred to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) for a further 4 years.

 
Following demobilisation, Kelly resumed duty with Northern Bank at Head Office on 5th November 1945. Transfers followed on Relief Staff (1946), Lanesborough (1948), Head Office (1949), Bailieborough (1950) and Head Office (1951).

Francis Kelly retired on 30th November 1956.

Hutchinson, George Courtney

Flight Lieutenant George Courtney Hutchinson

Hutchinson was born on 23rd March 1926 to Courtney Hutchinson and Mrs Hutchinson, Moygashel, Dungannon (Engagement note - 1954).

On 23rd March 1943 Hutchinson joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address at that time was 1 New Bridge Street, Downpatrick.

Northern Bank Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Hutchinson was ‘Called up’ by the Air Ministry on 7th April 1943 and 'technically' resigned from the bank. His Service Number was 1796427 and he progressed to the rank of Sergeant before gaining a commission as a Probationer Pilot Officer (1946) with Officer Number 202620.

 
Following demobilisation in 1947, Hutchinson wrote to the bank and tendered his resignation in a letter dated 7th July 1947. He was to continue his career in the RAF becoming a Flight Lieutenant in the RAF Physical Fitness branch in 1952.

The Belfast Telegraph of 16th October 1953 published a photograph of Flight Lieutenant G C Hutchinson prior to him co-piloting a plane to New Zealand:

The Northern Whig of 15th April 1954 reports the engagement of Flight Lieutenant George Courtney Hutchinson to Mary Isobel Morton of Glenmore, Lurgan.

Hutchinson retired from the RAF on 13th November 1957.

There are a number of newspaper reports of the Observer Commander G C Hutchinson in the early 60s. It is probable that George moved from the RAF to the Royal Observer Corps.

Belfast Telegraph of 17th July 1963

Hunter, David James

Lieutenant David James Hunter (RNVR)

Hunter was born at Lodge Road, Coleraine on 7th April 1914 to Robert Hunter, Coal Merchant and Robina Hunter nee Kean. 

On 1st March 1935 Hunter joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address on joining the bank was Waterford House, Lodge Road, Coleraine.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Shankill (1935 - Junior), Connswater (1936 - Junior), Randalstown (1939 - Junior) and Head Office (1941 - Junior).

Northern Bank, Shankill Road branch

Northern Bank, Randalstown branch

On 5th June 1940 Hunter volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR).

Hunter was ‘Called up for Active Service’ on 19th May 1941 and later gained a commission to become a Sub-Lieutenant.

Hunter was married at 1st Randalstown Presbyterian Church on 11th February 1943 to Miss Kathleen McRoberts Carson of The London House, Randalstown.

Following demobilisation, Hunter re-joined the bank at Head Office on 18th June 1946. Transfers followed to Falls (1947 - Accountant), Crumlin Road (1950 - Accountant), Ballymoney (1953 - Teller) and Head Office (1961 - Teller).

Northern Bank, Falls branch

Northern Bank, Crumlin Road branch

Northern Bank, Ballymoney branch (on right)

Hunter left the bank on 31st January 1963. 

Hunter died on 6th June 1965. PRONI Wills records: "Hunter, David James of 19 Springwell Park Groomsport county Down representative died 6 June 1965 at Bangor Hospital Bangor county Down Probate Belfast 3 August to Kathleen McRoberts Hunter the widow. Effects £1080 2s."

Duff, William Archibald

Bombardier / Clerk William Archibald Duff

Duff was born at Mohill on 12th November 1900 to William John Duff, Bank Inspector and Amelia Marie Duff nee Polson. They had married on 12th December 1894 at The Parish Church, Mohill. William's occupation is Manager, Northern Bank and his address was recorded as Ballymena.

In 1901 Duff (0) was living in house 296, Ormeau Road, Belfast with his parents and 3 siblings; Mary (5), Alice (3) and Donald (2). Rose Kane, a servant and Catherine Pentland, a visitor were also in the house.

By 1911 the house was detailed as 195 Ormeau Road, Belfast. The parents, William and 5 siblings; Scott (6) and John (4) were the new additions to the family. Emily Campbell, a servant was also in the house.

 
On 17th January 1916 Duff joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Transfers followed to Royal Avenue (1917), Portaferry (1917), Head Office (1918), Connswater (19180, Head Office (1918), Downpatrick (1918), Royal Avenue (1924), Shaftesbury Square (1928), Head Office (1931), Markets (1931), Randalstown (1935) and Head Office (1939).

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square, Belfast

Northern Bank, Markets branch

Northern Bank, Randalstown branch

 

In 1936 Duff joined an Anti-Aircraft Regiment and on 1st September 1939 he was called up for Active Service with the 8th Belfast Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. His Service Number was 1459531. He signed on for 4 years (Supplementary Service).

 
He is the younger brother of Donald McConnell Duff.

William Duff of Northern Bank House, 152 Crumlin Road, Belfast died on 21st July 1958 and left an estate of £7,734.

Duff, Donald McDonnell

Commander Donald McConnell Duff (RNVR)

Duff was born at St Patrick's, Mohill, Co. Leitrim on 7th February 1899 to William John Duff, Bank Inspector and Amelia Marie Duff nee Polson. They had married on 12th December 1894 at The Parish Church, Mohill. William's occupation is Manager, Northern Bank and his address was recorded as Ballymena.

In 1901 Duff (2) was living in house 296, Ormeau Road, Belfast with his parents and 3 siblings; Mary (5), Alice (3) and William (0). Rose Kane, a servant and Catherine Pentland, a visitor were also in the house.

By 1911 the house was detailed as 195 Ormeau Road, Belfast. The parents, Donald and 5 siblings; Scott (6) and John (4) were the new additions to the family. Emily Campbell, a servant was also in the house.

On 12th December 1914, Duff  joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Belfast

Transfers followed to Shaftesbury Square (1915), Head Office (1918), Newtownstewart (1918), Shaftesbury Square (1920), Head Office (1922), Ball’s Branch (1935) and Head Office (1939).

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square branch

Northern Bank, Newtownstewart branch

Ball's branch, Dublin

 

Duff joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1925. 

On 27th August 1939, he was called up on Active Service with later promotions to Paymaster, Lieutenant Commander (RNVR) and Paymaster, Commander (1943).

 
He is the elder brother of William Archibald Duff.

Donald Duff died on 31st July 1948. PRONI Wills records:

Duff Donald McConnell of 24 Skegoniel Avenue Belfast bank official died 31 July 1948 at the Abbey Sanatorium Whiteabbey Administration Belfast 6 October to Rhoda Grace Mary Duff the widow. Effects £1014 0s. 7d.

Knight, Robert Irwin

Lieutenant Robert Irwin Knight (known as Irwin)

Knight was born at 'Tievemore', Glenburn Park, Belfast on 22nd November 1914 of Castle Park, Belfast to John Radcliffe Knight, Cashier and Mary Lindsay Knight nee Armstrong. They had married on 25th April 1906 at Clifton Street Presbyterian Church. 

In 1911 the parents lived in house 49, Rosemount Gardens, Belfast with their daughter, Hannah Florence (0) and Mary's mother, Hannah Armstrong.

Following his education at Belfast Royal Academy, Knight joined Northern Bank at Head Office on 1st March 1935. He worked in various branches including Fivemiletown, Lisburn and Downpatrick.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Fivemiletown branch

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

Whilst in Fivemiletown, Knight was appointed Assistant Secretary of Fivemiletown Golf Club.

On 3rd May 1939 Knight volunteered at the YMCA, Belfast and enlisted into the 8th Heavy Anti Aircraft (HAA) Regiment, Royal Artillery with Service Number 1463058

R I Knight - Royal Artillery Service Number Record
(Courtesy of Find My Past)

On 25th August 1939 he was ‘Called up on Active Service' into the 21st Battery. His rank and promotions are recorded as Gunner, Lance Sergeant and Sergeant. 

Officer Cadet Knight was commissioned on 27th September 1941 with the London Gazette Supplement of 10th October 1941 recording his commissioning as 2nd Lieutenant with Service Number 207997. 

Following the end of the war, Knight resigned from the bank on 19th December 1945.

On being discharged from the army on 23rd February 1946, he was given the honorary rank of Lieutenant.

The Londonderry Sentinel of 19th October 1946 reports Knight, Belfast Royal Academy as being awarded £5 for passing a recent examination.

 
The London Gazette Supplement of 11th June 1948 reports Knight as being awarded the Efficiency Medal (Militia).

The Electoral Roll of 2002-05 records Knight as living at 23, Newry Road, Banbridge.

1923 saw a book of Knight's wartime diary being published with the title 'Knight Errant - A Bank Clerk Goes to War':

ISBN: 9-781399-966061