Cross, Campbell

Campbell Cross

Cross was born at 69 Great Victoria Street, Belfast on 29th December 1913 to Alexander Cross, Dentist and Euphemia Mowbray Cross nee Cowie. 

The 1914 Irish Motor Directory records Alexander Cross of 69 Great Victoria Street, Belfast as owning motor car registration number OI 717.

On 8th May 1932 he joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Fintona (1932 - Junior), Strokestown (1934 - Junior), Head Office (1937), Maghera (1938 - Junior) and Head Office (1939).

On 5th September 1939, Cross volunteered and enlisted into the Anti-Aircraft battery at Coleraine. He was ‘Called up on Active Service’ on 8th September 1939 into the 6th Light A-A Battery, 3rd Anti-Aircraft Brigade as a Gunner.

Alexander Cross (father) died on 23rd May 1941. His address is recorded on PRONI Will Calendars as "Springcliff", Rocky Road, Cregagh, Belfast.

On account of ‘ear trouble’, Cross resumed work with Northern Bank at Head Office on 30th July 1942. Transfers followed within Relief Staff (1942 to 1948), Head Office (1948), Ballinamore (1949 - Cashier), Head Office (1953), Willowfield (1955 - Cashier), Donegall Square (1961 - Cashier), Willowfield (1961 - Pro-manager) and Comber (1965 - Manager).

 

Northern Bank, Ballinamore branch

Northern Bank, Willowfield branch

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Northern Bank, Comber branch

Cross retired in 1976 with the bank staff magazine ‘The Link’ of Autumn 1976 publishing an article and photograph:

The Link, Autumn 1976

On 13th December 1974, Cross  attended an Investiture at Hillsborough Castle to receive an award of a Velum Vote of Thanks from the Bailiff of Egle, The Lord Cozens-Hardy. This award was in recognition for his services as Honorary Treasurer of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade in County Down.

 
Aged 87, Cross  attended the 2000 re-dedication ceremony of the Rolls of Honour.

Cross was still on the 2004 electoral register residing at Breffni Lodge, 3, Wandsworth Road, BT4 3LS.

McCurdy, John Hanna

John Hanna McCurdy

McCurdy was born at Bushmills on 7th February 1910 to Charles McCurdy, Merchant Tailor and Catherine McCurdy nee Taggart. They had married on 13th July 1891 at Toberkeigh Presbyterian Church, Bushmills.

The 1911 Irish Census records McCurdy (0) residing in house 32, Bushmills with his parents and 8 siblings; Samuel (15), Alexander (13), Kathleen May (11), Charles (9), Annie Maud (8), Margery Winifred (6), Daniel (4) and Jane Elizabeth (2).

McCurdy probably joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1928 and is recorded as working in Londonderry branch. Charles McCurdy, father, signed the Bankers Guarantee.

Belfast Bank, Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

McCurdy volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Artillery with the Londonderry Sentinel of 9th November 1939 reporting that J H McCurdy had 'gone on service with the armed forces'.

McCurdy had previously married Gwen McClelland on 5th July 1939 in Londonderry with a daughter (born 10th June 1940) being announced in the family section of the Londonderry Sentinel of 15th June 1940. Their address at that time was reported as 4 Auburn Terrace, Londonderry. John's rank was also recorded as L/Bdr (Lance Bombardier).

The Londonderry Sentinel of 2nd November 1946 reports on J H McCurdy, Treasurer attending a meeting of the Londonderry branch of the Royal Artillery Association.

McCurdy is recorded in the 1966 annual accounts of the Belfast Banking Company as being manager of Strabane branch.

Belfast Bank, Strabane branch

Coulter, Joseph Sloan

Lieutenant Joseph Sloan Coulter

Coulter was born on 31st October 1921 to Joseph Coulter and Agnes Coulter nee Sloan. They had married on 17th September 1907 at Crescent Church, Belfast.

The 1911 Irish Census records Coulter's parents living in house 11 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast. The children are Margaret (2), Elizabeth (1) and Thomas (0).

Coulter joined the Belfast Banking Company on 15th May 1939. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee for him giving his address and occupation as (3) Sunningdale Park, Cavehill Road, Belfast – Factory Manager. Elizabeth Coulter, Spinster later signed the guarantee.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

The Belfast Telegraph of 15th May 1942 reported that J S Coulter had passed his final examination of the Institute of Bankers in Ireland. His preliminary exams were passed the previous year in 1941.

At some stage during the war, Coulter volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Navy.

Following demobilisation, Coulter returned from Active Service on 30th September 1946 and worked in Portaferry branch.

Belfast Bank, Portaferry branch
(Acknowledged to J Miller Collection)

The Belfast News-Letter of 18th November 1947 reported on the formation of the Cavehill branch of the Royal British legion and mentioned J S Coulter in addition to other bank colleagues; W F Irvine, Hugh McManus, H Malseed and R C Malseed.

Coulter joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) in 1948.

The Portadown Times of 4th March 1955 reported that J S Coulter had been transferred to Tandragee branch.

Belfast Bank, Tandragee branch

Coulter later left the bank and emigrated to Canada with his family.

Joseph S Coulter died in Calgary, Alberta. Canada on 15th May 1988.

J S Coulter - Grave Marker

Todd, William John

Sergeant William John Todd

Todd was born at Craignagat, Ballycastle on 11th April 1921 to John Todd, Farmer and Sarah Ann Todd nee Gaston. They had married on 25th February 1920 at Rasharkin Presbyterian Church.

On 1st February 1940 Todd joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

A transfer to Head Office – Foreign Department followed the same year.

 
Todd was ‘Called up on Active Service’ on 19th May 1941 and resigned from the bank. His final rank of Sergeant has been transcribed on his staff record ledger sheet. There is no 'unit' mentioned.

 
He resumed duty with the Northern Bank on 1st October 1946 at Head Office. Transfers followed to Markets (1946), Head Office – Relief Staff (1948), Ballymoney (1949 - Accountant), Head Office (1949), Larne (1949 - Accountant), Head Office (1951), Londonderry (1952 - Control Clerk and then Teller), Portaferry (1960 - Teller), Larne (1962 - Teller then Sub-manager then Manager) and Coleraine (1969 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Markets branch

Northern Bank, Ballymoney branch

Northern Bank, Larne branch

The Belfast News-Letter of 28th April 1950 reported that W J Todd, Northern Bank, Larne had gained 1st place in his Diploma in Foreign Exchange examination run by the Institute of Bankers in Ireland. He won a prize of 7 guineas.

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

Todd married a Miss Huey in 1956.

He may have retired from Markets branch.

Duncan, John James

Driver John James Duncan

Duncan was born in Cavan (Road, Fintona) on 18th September 1918 to Andrew Robert Duncan, Farmer and Margaret E Duncan nee Robb. They had married on 2nd December 1914 at Fintona Presbyterian Church.

On 2nd May 1938 Duncan joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Portrush (1939 - Relief), Ballybofey (1939 - Relief), Lisburn (1939 - Relief) and Whitehead (1940).

Northern Bank, Portrush branch

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch 

Northern Bank, Whitehead branch

On 1st March 1940 he was ‘Called up on Active Service’ into the North Irish Horse. On 4th April 1940, John transferred from the North Irish Horse into the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) as a Driver.

Duncan resigned from the Bank on 4th April 1946 and received a letter of reference dated 2nd July 1947. The bank completed a questionnaire from the Ministry of Finance on 31st October 1947.

The Belfast Telegraph of 22nd October 1964 reported on an inquest (John Amos, Cavan, Fintona) where John James Duncan, Farmer was a witness:

McFeeter, William Andrew

Sergeant William Andrew McFeeter

McFeeter was born at Bridge Street, Coleraine on 29th April 1903 to William McFeeter, Draper and Lizzie McFeeter nee McGee. They had married in Coleraine on 12th April 1908.

In 1911 McFeeter (7) is living in house 9, Bridge Street, Coleraine with his parents and 2 sisters; Violet E (11) and Kathleen K (10). Others in the house are Andrew McFeeter (an uncle), David Caldwell (a boarder) and Mary E O'Brien (servant). This house may have been known as Waterford House. 

 
On 17th January 1921 McFeeter joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Londonderry (1921 - Junior), Head Office (1922), Shaftesbury Square (1925 - Cash Book then Assistant Accountant), Head Office (1929 - Relief), Dungannon (1939 - Cashier), Londonderry (1933 - Accountant), Magherafelt (1937 - Cashier) and Head Office (1939).

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square branch

Northern Bank, Magherafelt branch

The Londonderry Sentinel of 19th July 1938 reported on the Will of his father, William McFeeter who had died on 1st May 1938:

McFeeter volunteered and enlisted on 3rd March 1939 in the 8th Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery with Service Number 1474569. He was ‘Called up on Active Service’ on 26th August 1939 when he signed on for 4 years SR (Supplementary Reserve) as a Lance Bombardier (unpaid). A promotion to Bombardier followed in 1940 with Sergeant afterwards.

 
Following demobilisation, McFeeter resumed duty with the Northern Bank at Head Office on 31st October 1945. Transfers followed to Larne (1945), Ballymena (1948 - Sub-manager) and Royal Avenue (1956 - Assistant Manager).

Northern Bank, Larne branch 

Northern Bank, Ballymena branch

Northern Bank, Royal Avenue branch

William McFeeter retired on 26th February 1965.

Price, William Wynne

Lance Bombardier William Wynne Price (known as Wynne)

Price was born at Townparks, Larne on 4th July 1908 to Timothy Lawrence Price, Journalist and Margaret Price nee Williams. They had married on 23rd July 1873 at Mallow United Church of England and Ireland, Co. Cork.

In 1911 Price (2) lived in house 41, Glenarm Road, Larne with his parents and brother, David Lawrence (6). A servant, Annie Pennie (20) also lived in the house.

On 1st December 1925 Price joined Northern Bank at Head Office.  

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Ballymena (1925 - Junior), Head Office (1926), Kilrea (1927 - Junior), Royal Avenue (1931 - 2nd Junior), Head Office (1935) and Londonderry (1936).

Northern Bank, Ballymena branch

Northern Bank, Kilrea branch

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

In 1939 Price joined the Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery as a Gunner. He was ‘Called up on Active Service’ on 4th September 1939. A promotion to Lance Bombardier followed.

Price resumed service with the Northern Bank on 19th November 1945. Transfers followed until his retirement as Manager, Trevor Hill, Newry on 30th June 1971.

Northern Bank, Newry branch

The Belfast Telegraph of 15th February 1947 reported on the wedding of Wynne Price to Miss Barbara Elise Macnaughton Blythe at St Patrick's Church, Jordanstown.

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Autumn 1980) contains a photograph of Royal Avenue staff in the 1930’s.

William Wynne Price died on 30th April 1989.

The following comments were left on the page:

"Wynne and Barbara retired to Warrenpoint, followed by Rostrevor....and much later, back to Warrenpoint."

"William was always known by his second name, Wynne. His wife's name was Barbara Elise, not Elsie....as the newspaper wedding article misprinted. They had three daughters, Felicity, Corinne and Brenda. There followed five grandchildren...Benjamin and Ashley, Daniel and Laura, Michael."

Gabbey, Hugh Maurice

Major Hugh Maurice Gabbey (known as Maurice)

Gabbey was born at 97 South Parade, Belfast on 11th April 1907 to Hugh Gabbey, Engineer and Sara Ethel Gabbey nee Gelston. They had married on 23rd June 1906 at Fisherwick Presbyterian Church.

In 1911 Gabbey (4) lived at house 90 South Parade, Ormeau, Belfast with his parents, Hugh (49) and Sara (31) and his sister, Sara Ethel (1). A servant, Mary Kelly (20) also live din the property. The census record has their surname transcribed incorrectly as Garbey [Error notified on 4th January 2022).

Gabbey was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI - Inst).

He joined the Belfast Banking Company on 15th December 1924. His mother signed his Bankers Guarantee giving her address as Dundela Villas, Strandtown, Belfast and later as 22 Cairngorm Crescent, Glengormley.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Gabbey's early years were served in Head Office until his career was interrupted by the Second World War.

Belfast Bank, Head Office, Waring Street

The Belfast Telegraph of 15th June 1938 reported the wedding of Maurice Gabbey to Miss Maureen Creighton Jackson at Craigavad Parish Church:

The Belfast News-Letter of 16th June 1938 published this photo of the wedding party:

There are a great deal of sporting reports featuring Gabbey in the local press [British Newspaper Archive].

1939 saw Gabbey volunteering and enlisting into the 21st Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery with Service Number 87357. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in April 1939.

Gabbey was one of those fortunate to return unscathed from the French beaches and he saw action in Burma where he commanded a battery from 1942 to 1945. By 1944 he had been promoted to Major.

8th Belfast HAA Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Gabbey is mentioned in this 16mm film just after 6' 40" in. He is described as a bridge player. 

Acknowledgements to lennonwylie

Gabbey was a member of the Belfast Banking Company Sports Club on 24th April 1946 paying 5 shillings subscription. At that time he was recorded as being in Castle Place branch. 

Belfast Bank, Castle Place branch

The following year, he was recorded as working in Head Office. He served as an Inspector (1953), Manager, Waring Street (1959), Managing Director (1966) and Director of the Belfast Banking Executor and Trustee Company Limited.

In the 1966 annual accounts of the Belfast Banking Company he is recorded as being Managing Director of the Belfast Bank.

Gabbey's interests outside the bank were rugby football, tennis, soccer, contract bridge, Chamber of Commerce, Royal British Legion. He was also Governor of the War Memorial Building in Waring Street, Belfast.

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link’ of Summer 1972 contains a photograph of Gabbey . 

His wife is a former member of staff of the Belfast Bank and also of Midland Bank Limited. 

Maurice Gabbey died on 2nd December 1974.

H M Gabbey - June 1971

The author, C S Lewis also lived at Dundela Villas.

Gilchrist, Richard

Richard Gilchrist

Gilchrist was born on 15th August 1925. His address is recorded on the bank staff ledger sheet as Tullycarnon, Ardglass. 

The Belfast News-Letter of 18th December 1934 published this photo of a Mr R P Gilchrist, Ardglass; possibly Richard's father.

On 4th May 1942 Gilchrist joined Northern Bank at Head Office. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

A transfer to Ballymena followed in early 1943 as Junior. 

Northern Bank, Ballymena branch

In 1943, Gilchrist applied to the bank to be permitted to join the RAF. He subsequently resigned from the bank and joined the RAF.   

Following demobilisation and on 1st November 1947 Gilchrist called in to the bank and spoke to Mr Scott and advised him that:

"he was going to stay at home and manage the farm instead of coming back to the bank. There is no other member of the family available for the work of the farm."

Gilchrist resigned from the bank.