Thompson, Michael (Mickey) Stanley Desalis

Captain Michael (Mickey) Stanley Desalis Thompson

Thompson was born in Walsall, Staffordshire, England on 27th September 1920 to Capt R A J Thompson (Army Officer) and Edith Marjorie Thompson nee Sutherland.

The 1939 Belfast Street Directory records the family living at 11 Holland Park and previously at  277 Castlereagh Road, Belfast (1932 Belfast Street Directory).

Thompson was educated at Inst (RBAI) and featured in many cricket reports in the press. The Belfast News-Letter of 28th October 1938 reported that M S D Thompson was the head boy in Inst. He was still in school in 1939. 

On 15th May 1939 Thompson joined Northern Bank at Head Office giving his address as 11 Holland Park, Belfast.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Thompson enlisted for Active Service on 6th June 1940 when he joined the North Irish Horse / Royal Irish Fusiliers. His various promotions were from Fusilier to Lance Corporal to Corporal to Cadet (via Sandhurst) to 2nd Lieutenant (Service Number 184269) and then Captain in the Regular Army (1942) attached to the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR). The London Gazette records his later promotions as Lieutenant to Captain (1951) with Service Number 184269 (North Irish Horse). 

In 1967 he resigned his commission but retained his rank of Captain.

 
Following the war, Thompson resumed work with the Northern Bank on 26th August 1946 at Head Office. Transfers followed to Donegall Square (1946 - Assistant Accountant), Head Office – Relief Staff (1948), Willowfield (1948 - Accountant), Head Office (1955), Executor & Trustee (1960 - Pro- & then Sub-Manager), Head Office (1963) and Head Office (1966 - Assistant Chief Accountant).

Northern Bank, Donegall Square

Northern Bank, Willowfield branch (Woodstock Road)

Thompson married Miss Ross in September 1952.

Photograph courtesy of Ancestry (Helen Roberts)

The Belfast News-Letter of 1st May 1954 reported that M S D Thompson was the 1st prize winner in the Diploma of Foreign Exchange examinations of the Institute of Bankers in Ireland. 

The following year, the Belfast News-Letter of 18th May 1955 reported that he had won 2nd prize in the Executor & Trustee examinations.

In 1958, Thompson  had passed his final examination of the Corporation of Secretaries.

The main image is of Thompson attending the 1974 Ex-Servicemen's Association dinner.

Thompson was an editor of the bank staff magazine. This photo records him with other magazine editors, Doreen Muskett (left) and Ina Clarke (right):

He retired as Bank Secretary in 1983. The Staff Magazine ‘The Link’ (Winter 1983) records his retirement as on 31st October 1983.

Please also see:

Images of Ex-Servicemen's Association - 1974

Images of Ex-Servicemen's Association - 1976

Lowry, Charles William McCaughey (Barry)

Major Charles William McCaughey (Barry) Lowry MBE, TD

Lowry was born on 24th June 1939 to Mr E C Lowry and Mrs Lowry of Lansdowne Road, Belfast. He had an elder brother, John Ewen Lowry (04/08/1933) who also attended Campbell College.

Following his education, Lowry joined the Belfast Bank around 1957/58. During his career, he worked in many branches including  Lisburn (BBCo), Windsor (Boucher Road), High Street, Belfast and Ballyholme.

In the 1960s, Lowry volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Army Pay Corps (RAPC) as a private with service number (not known).

The London Gazette reports further on Lowry's military career:

• 03/02/1970 - Charles William McCaughey LOWRY (488701) to be 2nd Lt. (on probation), 13th Nov. 1969.
  
  
• Abt 1972 - Promotion to Lieutenant (entry not found).
  
  
• 25/02/1975 - Lt. C. W. McC. LOWRY (488701) to be Capt., 1st Jan. 1975.
  
  
• 15/02/1983 - Capt. C. W. M. LOWRY (488701) to be Maj., 13th Nov. 1982.
  
  
• 24/04/1984 - Maj. C. W. M. LOWRY (488701) from T.A. Group A to be Maj., 29th Feb. 1984 retaining present seniority.

Lowry was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the 'Not Forgotten Association' in the (December 1997) New Years Honours List.

Barry Lowry, 3rd from left, with staff colleagues in a bank quiz team photo

In 2002 he was made an Officer (Brother) in the Order of St. John.

Barry Lowry died on 7th September 2023 with his service being held at Roselawn Crematorium.

Dawson, Frederick Stanley

Colonel Frederick Stanley Dawson MBE, TD (known as Stanley)

Stanley Dawson was born in August 1940 and was from the Templepatrick area of south Antrim.

He was a Trust Officer (1974) in the Northern Bank Executor and Trustee Company Limited based in 10 High Street, Belfast in the early 1970s. 

In the early 1960s, Dawson volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) as a Driver with service number 23918963. The RASC would later be renamed as the Royal Corps of Transport (RCT) and later on, the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC).

The London Gazette reports further on Dawson's military career:

• 24/05/1963 - T/23918963 Dvr. Frederick Stanley DAWSON (473743) to be 2nd Lt. (on probation), 5th Apr. 1963. T/23903150.
  
  
• 06/04/1965 - 2nd Lt. F. S. DAWSON (473743) (on probation) is confirmed in his appt. as 2nd Lt., 5th Apr. 1963. To be Lt., 5th Apr. 1965. 
  
  
• 04/04/1967 - The undermentioned Lts. from T.A. to be Lts., 1st Apr. 1967, with seniority on the dates shown: F. S. DAWSON (473743), 5th Apr. 1965.
  
  
• 08/12/1967 - Lt. F. S. DAWSON (473743) to be Capt., 1st Oct. 1967.
  
  
• 08/12/1970 - Capt. F. S. DAWSON (473743) is granted the acting.-rank of Maj., 25th-Oct. 1970.
  
  
• 24/12/1974 - Capt (Acting Maj.) F. S. DAWSON (473743) to be Maj., 28th Aug. 1974, with seniority 25th Oct. 1970.
  
  
• 14/01/1975 - The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to confer the award of the 1st Clasp to the Efficiency Decoration (Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve) upon the following officer: Maj. F. S. DAWSON (473743).

• 01/06/1982 - The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to confer the Award of the 2nd Clasp to the Efficiency Decoration (Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve) upon the following Officer: Maj. F. S. DAWSON, M.B.E., T.D. (473743).

• 16/06/1987 - Maj. F. & DAWSON, M.B.E., T.D. (473743) to be LtCol., 17th May 1987.
  
  
• 22/09/1987 - Maj. (now Lt. Col.) F. S. DAWSON, M.B.E., T.D. (473743).
  
  
• 05/05/1992 - Col. Frederick Stanley DAWSON, M.B.E., T.D. (473743) late R.C.T.(V) is appointed Aide de Camp Territorial Army to The QUEEN, 1st Mar. 1992.

• 18/08/1992 - Lt.-Col. F. S. DAWSON, M.B.E., T.D. (473743) R.C.T. to be Col., 1st Mar. 1992. (Belated Entry).
  
  
• 15/05/1995 - Col. F. S. DAWSON, M.B.E., T.D. (473743) relinquishes the appointment of Aide de Camp Territorial Army to The QUEEN, 5th Apr. 1995.
  
  
• 23/05/1995 - The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to confer the Award of the 3rd Clasp to the Efficiency Decoration (Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve) upon the following Officer: COMMAND AND STAFF - Col. F. S. DAWSON, M.B.E., T.D. (473743).
  
  
• 05/12/1995 - Col. F. S. DAWSON (473743) late R.L.C. (V) retires from T.A. Group A, 5th Apr. 199S.

He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1981 Birthday Honours List.

Dawson was later to retire as one of the senior management team of Investment Management Services.

 

Stanley Dawson died on 24th July 2015 with his service being held at Templepatrick Presbyterian Church on Thursday 30th July 2015. He left a widow, Yvonne, daughters Lynda and Jill and their families.

Roll of Honour - January

January is the only month that there were no casualties amongst the bank officials during either the Great War, World War II or the Northern Ireland Conflict.

Duncan, Charles Wesley

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Wesley Duncan MBE, UD (known as Wesley)

Wesley Duncan was from the Annalong area of south Down.

He was an Investment Manager in the Northern Bank Executor and Trustee Company Limited based in 10 High Street, Belfast in the early 1970s. Promotion to Manager, Investment Management Services came later.

In the early 1970s, Duncan volunteered and enlisted into the locally recruited Ulster Defence Regiment UDR) as a private with service number 24273109. 

The UDR had been formed on 1st January 1970 and became fully operational on 1st April 1970.

The London Gazette reports further on Duncan's military career:

• 09/10/1973 - 24273109 Pte C W Duncan - 'to be 2nd Lieutenant (on probation) wef 26/03/1973 with service number (officer) 496697.
  
  
• 18/06/1974 - 2nd Lieutenant C W Duncan - (on probation) - confirmed as 2nd Lt wef 26/04/1973.
  
  
• 02/09/1975 - 2nd Lt C W Duncan - to be Lt wef 26th Marc h 1975 (9th Bn UDR).
  
  
• 18/01/1977 - Lt C W Duncan - to be Capt wef 01/12/1976.
  
  
• 01/05/1979 - Capt C W Duncan - is granted the rank of Acting Major wef 01/02/1979. 
  
  
• 29/01/1980 - Capt (A/Maj) C W Duncan UD - to be Maj wef 10/09/1979 with seniority wef 01/02/1979. 
  
  
• 14/04/1987 - Maj C W Duncan UD - from Active List to be Major wef 10/04/1987.
  
  
• 13/10/1987 - Major C W Duncan UD - 'mentioned in despatches' in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland.
  
  
• 05/04/1988 - Major C W Duncan UD - (from Reserve of Officers) to be Maj 08/02/1988 with seniority wef 01/12/1979.
  
  
• 02/08/1994 - Major C W Duncan UD - (Royal Irish) to be Lt Col wef 01/04/1994.
  
  
• 17/02/2004 - Lt Col C W Duncan - retires 09/12/2000 (Royal Irish Regiment, Home Service, Part-time).
  
  
• 31/12/2020 - C W Duncan - 'Member of the Order of the British Empire' for voluntary service to Military Veterans.

Duncan attended the Northern Bank Ex-Servicemen's annual dinner of 1974:

Unknown, Wesley Duncan, Ronnie Huffington & Wilson Ervin

Duncan was awarded the General Service Medal (GSM) with Northern Ireland clasp, Accumulated Campaign Service Medal (ACSM), Ulster Defence Regiment Medal (UD) and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). 

Duncan was a director of the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum between 2009 and 2020. 

He was a trustee of the UDR Benevolent Fund and was Chairman of the UDR Memorial Trust that erected the UDR statue in Markey Square, Lisburn. At the ceremony on 12th June 2011, he said:

"It was unfortunate that there were members who did bad things and we're not trying to hide that. But what we would say is that there's almost 50,000 people who didn't do bad things – who did good things, who were ordinary decent people who wanted to do the best they could for their country".

UDR Memorial - Market Square, Lisburn

This picture of the a 'UDR Church Window' adorns his Facebook page.

UDR Church Window

Wesley Duncan, retired Investment Manager, NB Executor & Trustee Company and former trustee of the NB (DB) Pension Scheme died on 5th January 2021 with his service being held at Kilhorne Parish Church, Annalong on 10th January 2021.

He is survived by his widow, Gwendoline and sons John & James and families.

Neely, Noel Montgomery

Lieutenant (RN) Noel Montgomery Neely

Neely was born at Sion Mills on 27th December 1910 to James Neely, Preparing Master and Margaret Neely nee Irwin. They had married on 9th April 1903.

In 1911 the family were living house 2, Sion Terrace, Attaclady, Co. Tyrone. In the Census return, his father describes Noel’s education as ‘cannot read’.

Neely prepared for the BBCo entrance examination at Skerry's College, 143 Royal Avenue, Belfast.

Northern Whig - Saturday 16 April 1927

[Clipping courtesy of Nigel Henderson]

On 1st April 1927 Neely joined the Belfast Banking Company. His Bankers Guarantee was signed by Thomas McDonald of 'Iona', Castle Road, Dundalk and later by Alexander M Clark of 'Woodhouse', Ravenhill Road, Belfast (Tailor).

Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

The Belfast Telegraph of 11th May 1927 reports that N M Neely entered the bank at Coleraine branch.

Belfast Bank, Coleraine branch

Neely would later play cricket for the bank and is reported in newspaper match reports.

The Belfast Telegraph of 18th May 1929 reports N M Neely as transferring from Castle Place to Head Office.

Belfast Bank, Castle Place branch

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street, Belfast

As well as playing cricket and rugby, Neely was an actor as reported by the Belfast News-Letter of 11th January 1936:

On 1st July 1936 Noel Montgomery Neely married Joan Lorimer from Helen’s Bay in Holywood Parish Church of Ireland Church (St. Philip and St. James). They had 2 children: Peter James (born 16th November 1939 and Patrick Lawrie (born 19th April 1941). Information from Barry Niblock's website.

Neely volunteered and enlisted into the RNVR (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve) probably around 1939/1940. 

The Forces War Record website records his career:

1941 - Temporary Lieutenant - HMS Waterfly

1942 - Lieutenant - HMS Waterfly

1944 - Lieutenant - HMS Circe

 

Noel Simpson, author of ‘The Belfast Bank 1827-1970’ records some detail of a letter from Noel Neely to the bank’s secretary, James Carlisle, describing his first few days of naval life:

"I have been rated seaman, which is one step up from the bottom, and am paid fortnightly at the rate of 21/- a week, starting from next month.  I believe service pay is to be raised by sixpence a day, but when that and any further betterment of my financial lot materialises I shall let the Bank know.

I may cut a very nautical figure in my bell-bottoms, but I find the whole garb too tight for comfort.  Added to that, there is a most miserly allowance of pockets – two only, and so placed that one looks like a lop-sided Mae West and a sufferer from acute hernia.  However, if this hot weather lasts I shall shrink so much that my clothes will fit perfectly!

At the moment I am awaiting draft, and drafting is, apparently, such a haphazard business that I may be sent off any day now.  I have been billeted with a most worthy soul, a local light in the Labour Party.  She is quite a good cook and, as she obviously regards me as a dyed-in-the-wool Tory, I can’t quite get rid of the uncomfortable feeling that I am being fattened as a capitalistic sacrifice.  If only the house possessed a bath I should be happy.  Squabbling about a kitchen sink with four other sailors is a bit trying.”

Having been promoted to Lieutenant (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve), he was serving on board HMS Circe, when he was killed on 23rd April 1944. 

HMS Circe - 1942

Neely is commemorated on Panel 79, Column 2 on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent, England.  

He is also remembered on the 'Ulster Division RNVR' Roll of Honour.

[Photo courtesy of Nigel Henderson]

Neely left a widow, Joan and a daughter. They were living at 8 Diamond Gardens, Finaghy when Noel died.. Their son, Peter had died on 1st February 1940 aged 2 1/2 months. Neely is remembered on the headstone in Knockbreda Cemetery.

Knockbreda Cemetery
[Photo courtesy of Nigel Henderson]

Patrick Neely (son) emigrated to the United States in the 1980s and applied for 'naturalization' in 1983. 

US documents for Patrick Neely

Joan Neely died on 10th July 1994 and is buried with her son in Knockbreda Cemetery.

Note: HMS Circe was an ‘Algerine Class’ Royal Navy Minesweeper (J214) built by Harland & Wolff Ltd in Belfast. It was ordered on 15th November 1940 and launched on 27th June 1942. Commissioned on 16th October 1942, the ship received Battle Honours in Sicily 1943, Salerno 1943 and Anzio 1944.

 
Following the end of the war, HMS Circe became an RNVR drill ship in 1956 before being scrapped at Dalmuir in December 1966.

Donaghy, Thomas Moffett

Sergeant Thomas Moffett Donaghy MM

Donaghy was born at Main Street, Limavady on 13th February 1912 to James Donaghy, General Draper and Catherine Donaghy nee McCullagh. They had married on 12th February 1903 at Ballyarnett Presbyterian Church.

The Northern Whig of 6th July 1929 reported that Donaghy 'assisted the best man' at his sister Kathleen's wedding in Limavady.

On 2nd June 1930 he joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address at that time was 6 Main Street, Limavady.

Transfers followed to Coleraine (1930 - Junior), Head Office (1930), Knock Sub-Office (1930), Maghera (1931), Oldcastle (1934), Head Office  (1938 - relief) and Grafton Street (1938 - relief).

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

Northern Bank, Maghera branch

Whilst in Maghera, the Belfast Telegraph of 15th May 1933 reported that Donaghy had won a Special Prize for Neatness in the Final examinations of the Institute of Bankers in Ireland.

Northern bank, Oldcastle branch

Northern Bank, Grafton Street branch

 

On 9th January 1940 he joined the North Irish Horse and was ‘Called up’ on 16th January 1940. His rank on joining was Trooper (Driver mechanic). Promotions followed to Sergeant.

The Belfast Telegraph of 8th December 1944 reported that Donaghy had been 'wounded for second time'. 

Donaghy was awarded the Military Medal on 26th April 1945. The citation reads:

“On November 14th 1944, at map ref 418206 Sergeant Donaghy was Troop Leader of three tanks supporting A Company 6 Black Watch. His orders were to support A Company in clearing the houses on each side of the road and seizing the T junction 418206. At the junction several enemy tanks were known to be lying in wait. One anti-tank gun was known to be sited down the road which had not been swept for mines, and it was impossible to get off the road. A platoon of 6 Black Watch had managed to reach a house 200 yards short of the objective but were pinned down from Spandau fire from the enemy tanks. Sergeant Donaghy made a most gallant attempt to get to their assistance. The only way was straight up the road. As soon as he moved he came under high-explosive and armour-piercing fire from enemy tanks but continued up the road. Just before he reached the infantry his tank was hit and knocked out. Sergeant Donaghy was wounded by blast and splash in the face and could not see out of one eye. He refused to be evacuated and after dark sufficiently repaired his tank to enable it to be towed to a defensive position for the night. He accomplished this in spite of intense fixed line Spandau fire down the road. He manned his tank throughout the night and did not go to hospital until ordered to do so next day. Sergeant Donaghy’s grim determination at all costs to carry out his task of supporting the infantry and his success in carrying out this task in face of strong opposition and in spite of his own wounds, showed devotion to duty and personal courage which were quite beyond praise.” 

Military Medal (MM)

The Belfast Telegraph of 20th July 1945 reports that T M Donaghy has been 'mentioned in despatches' for 'gallant and distinguished service in Italy'.

The bank Staff Record sheet records that he sustained an eye injury and lost the sight of one eye during his war service.

On 4th February 1946 Thomas resumed service with the Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Grafton Street (1946 - relief ), Head Office (1946- relief ), Head Office (1947), Lisburn (1948 - Relief), Head Office (1948), Claudy (1948 - Cashier), Larne (1952 - Cashier), Banbridge (1954 - Cashier), Head Office (1955) and Donegall Square (1956 - Cashier).

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

Northern Bank, Claudy branch

Northern Bank, Larne branch

Northern Bank, Banbridge branch

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Donaghy (44) took early retirement on 30th November 1956.

Henderson, James Montgomery

James Montgomery Henderson

Henderson was born at 'Sherbourne', Bawnmore Road, Belfast on 8th August 1912 to James Henderson, Accountant and Eugenie Louise Albertine Henderson nee Cluzeau. They had married on 21st January 1911 at Church of the Second Congregation, All Souls' Church, Belfast.

Henderson was educated at Belfast Royal Academy.

Henderson joined the Belfast Banking Company in April 1931 as reported in the Belfast News-Letter of 16th May 1931.

His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as 33 Indiana Avenue, Belfast. Later signatories were David Henderson and Eugenie Henderson. James is recorded as working in Warrenpoint and Ballymoney branches.

Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Warrenpoint branch

Belfast Bank, Ballymoney branch

It is thought that Henderson may have volunteered for 'Active Service' with the Royal Artillery.

Following his return to the Belfast Bank after the war, Henderson worked in Waring Street, Clearing Department and Chief Cashier's Department (in Victoria Square building).

Belfast Bank, Waring Street

Northern Bank, Victoria Street - Chief Cashier's Department

After 45 years service, Henderson retired as Assistant Chief Cashier in April 1976. 

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Summer 1976)’ contains the (top) photograph of Henderson .

Henderson attended the annual Ex-Servicemen's Association Dinner in 1976.