Morris, William Oliver Ernest

2nd Lieutenant William Oliver Ernest Morris (known as Ernest)

Morris was born at Gortmore, Omagh on 11th January 1895 to William Albert Morris, Sergeant in Army and Harriett Elizabeth Morris nee Montgomery. They had married on 16th May 1892 at Enniskillen Church of Ireland. His occupation was recorded as a Sergeant in the 1st Bn Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. her name was recorded as Annie (?) Elizabeth Montgomery.

In 1901 Morris (6) was living in army barracks in St Mary's, Kent with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers with his parents and 2 siblings; Albert Edward (8) and Mary Isabella (3).

In 1911 Morris was living in army barracks in China and Hong Kong with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers with his parents and 3 siblings; Albert, Mary and Alexandria Eleanor (9).

Following his education at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI - INST), Morris joined the Belfast Banking Company in 1913 and is recorded as working in the North City, Dublin branch. Oliver Robert Morris (an uncle ?) signed the Bankers Guarantee.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, North City, Dublin branch

On 7th September 1914 Morris volunteered and enlisted in Dublin into the South Irish Horse. He was later commissioned on 9th February 1915 to the King’s Regiment and was serving with 16th Bn. attached to the 12th Bn. The King's (Liverpool Regiment) as a 2nd Lieutenant when he was killed in action on 17th June 1916.

The battalion were in the trenches in front of Potiize, east of Ypres. Following a quiet day, they were heavily shelled at dusk, with the front and support trenches being bombarded about midnight. Six men were killed, including Morris. 

The Belfast News Letter of 23rd June 1916 reports:

Morris is buried in the Potiize Chateau Wood Cemetery, leper West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

The family memorial in Breandrum Cemetery in Enniskillen records Capt W A Morris MC (father) 19th March 1917 and his son Lieutenant E Morris 17th June 1916.

[Photo courtesy of Nigel Henderson, Great War Ulster Newspaper Archives]

Morris is also remembered on the RBAI (INST) 1914-18 War Memorial:

Photograph courtesy of LennonWylie

The regimental magazine 'The Sprig' records Morris' death as follows:

['The Sprig' - Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers regimental magazine]

A Pension Card in favour of Ernest's mother was created:

Shannon, Benjamin

Private Benjamin Shannon

Shannon was born on 12th April 1880 to John Shannon (Labourer of Upper Ballingate, Co. Wicklow) and Sarah Shannon nee Kinch. They were married on 11th April 1878 at Christ Church (of Ireland), Gorey, Co. Wexford. Both their occupations are recorded as 'farmer'.

Date of Birth issues:

• The Irish Census 1901 records a Benjamin (20) as boarding in house 21 Clanmorris, Ardfert, Co. Kerry. His occupation is recorded as 'Ordnance Survey'. Two other 'OS' staff are boarding in this property. 

• The Irish Census 1911 records a Benjamin (29) living in house 32 Golden Lane, Wood Quay, Dublin.  His occupation is recorded as a Shop Assistant.

• On 10th March 1912 Benjamin (full age) married Emily Martha Wood. Both their addresses are recorded as 22 Adelaide Street, Kingstown. Benjamin's occupation is recorded as a Bank Porter. His father is recorded as Robert Shannon. [This does not agree with the birth record].

Prior to 1912 Benjamin Shannon became a Bank Porter for the Belfast Banking Company.

Shannon enlisted directly into the Royal Flying Corps (on 16th April) 1917 as a Class F Reservist (with Service Number 76056) eventually being appointed as a Air Mech 2.

An enquiry left on the forum of the '1914-1918.Invisionzone.com' led to Forum member, 'Harry Brook' advising me of the following details:

• R.A.F. Muster Roll 1918
• Air Force No. 76056
• Name Shannon B.
• R.N.A.S. or R.F.C. Trade Classification - K.B.S.(B.P.)
• Remustered to R.A.F. Trade Classification - Labourer
• R.N.A.S. or R.F.C. Rank or Appointment - Air Mech 2
• New Rank in Air Force - Private 1
• Date of Joining - 16.4.17
• Date of Last Promotion - 1.1.18
• Normal Rate Air Force Pay - 1s 8d
• Terms of Enlistment - DW

Shannon received the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. These were dispatched on 10th October 1921.

Following demobilisation, Shannon returned to work for the Belfast Banking Company (BBCo).

On 25th June 1956 Emily Martha Shannon (83 - housewife) died at Royal Bank House, 102 Upper Georges Street, Dun Laoghaire (formerly Kingstown).

The Belfast Banking Company had branches all over Ireland. At partition, the BBCo made the decision to sell all its (now) southern branches to the Royal Bank of Ireland.

1918 photograph of the Belfast Banking Company, Kingstown

The site of this building is now occupied by Dunnes Stores (re Google Earth image. Across the road is the former Royal Bank of Ireland branch and bank house. Bernard Shannon and his family probably entered via the left hand doorway.

Google Earth screen print of the former Royal Bank of Ireland branch in Dun Laoghaire

On 18th November 1962 Benjamin Shannon (81 - widower) died at 38 Belgrave Square, Monkstown. His occupation is recorded as a bank porter. Emily E Shannon, daughter was present at his death.

Thompson, Jackson Holmes

Sergeant Jackson Holmes Thompson

Thompson was born at Castlewellan on 5th August 1904 to Robert Thompson, Bank Manager and Martha Walker Thompson nee Holmes. They had married on 22nd April 1899 at Elmwood Presbyterian Church, Belfast. Robert's occupation is a Banker.

In 1901, Thompson was living with his wife, sister-in-law, Jane Holmes and a servant, Rose Anne McLean in house 101, Main Street, Bryansford, Co. Down. Robert's occupation is recorded as a Cashier (Northern Bank).

In 1911 Thompson (6) is living in house 149, Castlewellan with his parents and 2 sisters; Margaret Evelyn (10) and Kathleen Mary (8). A servant, Mary McClements is also present in the property. Robert records his occupation as a Bank Manager. It is probable that they were living in the Bank House.

Northern Bank, Bank House and branch, Castlewellan

On 1st April 1922 Thompson joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address is recorded as Northern Bank, Downpatrick. 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Larne (1922 - Junior), Downpatrick (1924 - Junior), Head Office (1924 - Relief Staff), Head Office (1925 - Foreign Dept.), Portrush (1928 - Cashier), Head Office (1928 - Cashier), Antrim (1929 - Cashier), Windsor (1930 - Cashier) and Londonderry (1937 - Accountant).

Northern Bank, Larne branch

Northern Bank, Downpatrick branch

  

Northern Bank, Portrush branch

Northern Bank, Antrim branch

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

The Belfast News-Letter of  19th May 1931 printed this photograph of Thompson playing golf for Northern Bank at Portrush:

In 1939 Thompson applied to the bank for permission to join the 9th Anti-Aircraft Regiment, 3rd Anti-Aircraft Brigade, Royal Artillery with Service Number 1469066. The under-mentioned 'Tracer Card' records his joining date as 8th May 1939.

J H Holmes - WW2 Royal Artillery Tracer Card

On 2nd September he was ‘Called up on Active Service’ as a Gunner with promotions to Lance Sergeant and Sergeant following.  

The 'Tracer Card' indicates demobilisation as the end of 1945.

Thompson re-joined the Northern Bank at Head Office on 1st October 1945. Transfers followed to Connswater (1945), Donegall Square (1951), Willowfield (1958) and High Street (1961). 

Northern Bank, Donegall Square branch

Northern Bank, Willowfield branch

 J H Thomson (sp) is mentioned in this newspaper article from 1966 re the opening of a new branch at 10 High Street, Belfast.

Jackson Thompson retired on pension on 31st March 1967.

Malseed, Robert (Bobby) Campbell

Robert (Bobby) Campbell Malseed

Malseed was born in 1922 to Henry Malseed and Frances Louisa E (?) Victoria Malseed nee Marks. They had married at 5 Deramore Drive, Belfast (brides home) on 12th October 1920.

Henry Malseed was a Belfast bank official and a Great War veteran.

Malseed was educated at Portora Royal and Belfast Royal Academy schools.

He joined the Belfast Banking Company in May 1940 and started in Larne branch. His father, Henry signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as Belfast Bank, Belfast and later Portrush Road, Portstewart.

Belfast Bank, Larne branch

Belfast Bank, Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

In 1941 Malseed volunteered and enlisted into the North Irish Horse regiment with Service Number 7905067. He saw action in North Africa and Italy. 

Malseed wrote about his army service and his return to civvy life in an article for the bank staff magazine. It is reproduced below.

Following demobilisation in 1946, he returned to work in Markets branch. 

Belfast Bank, Markets branch

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

He also served in Magherafelt (1947), Ballymoney (1967 - Manager), Coleraine (1969 - Manager), Londonderry (1973 - Manager) and Lurgan (1979 - Manager) branches. 

Belfast Bank, Magherafelt branch

Belfast Bank, Ballymoney branch

Belfast Bank, Coleraine branch

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Belfast Bank, Lurgan branch

A profile and picture was published in the staff magazine ‘The Link’ (Summer 1979). 

A rugby picture of Malseed was published in the staff magazine ‘The Link’ (Summer 1982). 

Malseed retired on 30th April 1985 with a picture being published in the staff magazine ‘The Link’ (Summer 1985). 

Mrs L V Malseed, the widow of R C Malseed attended the 2000 re-dedication ceremony of the Rolls of Honour.

1940 and All That by Bobby Malseed (7905067)

The following article appeared in the Staff Magazine, The Link (Winter 1985).

It all started in 1936 or so when my generation, who were brought up on the old saying that the sun never sets on the British Empire and saluting the flag on Empire Day, had only two thoughts in mind, i.e. get a job and then join up if war came. 

I joined the Bank in May 1940 just before Dunkirk and after six months of dipped pens, passing irregular endorsements on cheques, failing to copy letters correctly and losing the National Insurance Cards I heard the call of King and Country very clearly.  

New Year’s Eve was spent behind a desk writing up Pass Books. With the pile of books growing higher and the singing of the soldiers outside getting louder as they welcomed in the New Year I knew my place was with them. 

After five years of hostilities I spent a final year in the Army of Occupation in Germany where there was a thriving Black Market with twenty cigarettes fetching 100 Marks and a bottle of Scotch costing 17 Marks. A good life was had by all. (The immorality was deplorable). 

At this stage it is only right to mention that during our service in the Forces the Officials at home were kind enough to subscribe to a Tobacco Fund organised by the late Hubert McManus (Hugh’s father) and I think we got 500 cigarettes per month and, believe me, they were very welcome. We never thought as we practically ate them in the tank that smoking was bad for our health and there were many other things around at that time that should surely have had a Government Health Warning. I remember going on leave from Italy and leaving instructions that my cigarette parcel was to be opened and shared leaving me 100 for myself – when I returned I was very surprised to see a lady whose character reference would surely be ‘trustworthy for any business engagement she would be likely to enter into’ smoking Gallaher Greens. 

On return to Markets Branch in October 1946 dressed in my demob suit (which everybody was given on demobilisation) it was difficult to adjust to the new life. 

You can imagine my predicament at 24 years of age just about being able to differentiate between a lodgement docket (white) and a cheque (pink) with the stale joke in my mind regarding the accountant who had a note on his desk about the Credit side being next the window which never struck me as being very funny as it was too near home for me. 

However, the staff were all very kind to me and took great patience to explain many times how to do my daily tasks. 

There were Welcome Home parties given by the churches and I will always remember Malone Rugby Club’s Welcome Home Dinner held in Thompson’s Restaurant where we received free Guinness which was very important to us in those days when ‘little things meant such a lot’. We also had our own annual Ex-Service Dinner which was very much enjoyed and, strangely enough, those “informal” occasions did not appear to affect our careers. I think that when we came home everybody hoped that we would blend into Society as soon and as painlessly as possible. 

As most of us are now well over 60 the meaning of ‘they shall grow not old as we that are left grow old’ becomes much more vivid. Those of us who parade on Armistice Sunday look round at our grey-haired comrades and think of how smart they once looked in the various uniforms and how the great bond of understanding and friendship has blossomed over the years between us and a great feeling of thankfulness to be alive is always prevalent.

Smyth, Robert - "Missing from the Roll of Honour"

Sergeant Robert Smyth

Smyth was born around 1876 (date and location not found) and was the son of George Rock Smyth and Elizabeth Smyth. His surname is sometimes recorded as Smythe.

Following his education, Smyth may have joined the Northern Banking Company around 1893 (about 17 years old).

In 1901, Smyth (25) was living in house 11, Cullybackey Road, Ballymena with his parents and 3 siblings; Lizzie Moore (23), Harriette (20) and George (29). Robert's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. 

By 1911, the family address is now recorded as house 16, Cullybackey Road, Ballymena. Smyth is living with his parents and his 2 sisters. Again, Robert's occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. Brother George is now living in house 2.1 Charlotte Street, Ballymoney with his wife and 3 young children aged 5 and under.

Smyth , aged 38, volunteered and enlisted at London on 16th July 1915 into the 1st Bn. Welsh Guards as a Guardsman with Service Number 1820. He would have been aged 40 at this time. His address is recorded as 'Woodbine Cottages', Ballymena.

R Smyth - Enlistment Papers 
(Occupation - Bank Official)

Robert Smythe - Medal Index Card

Smyth records that he served in France from 26th September 1916 to 15th April 1919 as a Corporal, Lance Sergeant and then a Sergeant. However, his 'first theatre of war' section on the Medal Index Card above has not been completed.

Robert Smyth - Military History Sheet

During his career in the army, Smyth was promoted from Guardsman (Gdsm) to::

• 2nd November 1915 - Appointed unpaid Lance Corporal - at London
• 14th March 1916 - Promoted Corporal and appointed T/Sgt - at Tower of London

Unfortunately, Robert had a few disciplinary actions taken against him:

• L/Cpl - 23rd November 1916 - 'Continual  (?) regulation' and 'severely reprimanded'
• L/Cpl - 30th November 1916 -  Gross neglect of duty' and 'deprived of lance stripe'
• T/Sgt - 14th October 1919 - 'Conduct to the prejudice etc' and sentenced to be 'reduced to the ranks' with '112 days detention'
• Gdsm - 3rd February 1920 - 'Discharged for misconduct'

According to the Medal Index Card, Smyth was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His 'Military History Sheet' is annotated '1914/15 Star' in section 9 - Medals.

Following his demobilisation, Smyth applied for an Army Pension and completed the army document (below) known as a 'Statement By A Soldier Concerning His Own Case' [*] on 17th January 1920.  He stated that he had 'varicose veins and debility' and had also been treated in Ballymena Cottage Hospital for appendicitis.

In Section 7 of the document, Smyth records his employer before joining the army as the Northern Banking Company Limited, Belfast.

[*]  The document was obtained (via Ancestry) by Alan Rosborough who is a researcher for the Cullybackey & District Historical Society.

  

The writer has a set of 13 pages from Smyth's army career with copies of a few displayed above.

Alexander, George

2nd Lieutenant George Alexander

Alexander was born at 37 Lavinia Street, Belfast on 8th April 1897 to Francis Alexander, Clerk and Charlotte Alexander nee Galbraith. They had married on 11th March 1896 at Albert Bridge Independent Church, Belfast. Francis was the first son of a 7th son.  

In 1901 Alexander (3) was living in house 8, St. Ives Gardens, Cromac, Belfast with his parents and sister, Fanny Galbraith (2). 

By 1911 the family had moved to house 5, Stranmillis Park, Belfast. 

Alexander applied to join the Northern Bank in 1912. He received a letter from the bank advising him that he had been successful in an examination held on 30th October 1912.

Later he attended a medical examination with a Dr Victor George Leopold Fielden of 84 Dublin Road, Belfast at a cost of 10/6 (£0.52.5). In the 1911 census, Dr Fielden described himself as a Medical Practitioner, Anaesthetist, Queen's University Belfast.

Alexander started the bank at Head Office on 26th November 1912.  He was of Independent faith. 

In 1915 he enlisted as a Private into the 17th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles (Cadet Company) aged 18. 

On 5th August 1916 he was promoted to a Temporary 2nd Lieutenant with the 17th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. His Warrant from the King is pictured below. The front of the document is dated 28th August 1916.

Within the actual warrant, it has been dated as 26th August 1916 (within the seventh year of the reign of King George V).

Later he was posted to the 6^th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles. Alexander later served with the Salonica Expeditionary Force and was later promoted to Lieutenant. He saw action at Struma River (Macedonia).   

On 24th October 1916, Alexander became a Prisoner of War in Bulgaria. The Belfast News Letter of 13th December 1916 reports:

 

Alexander was released from being a Prisoner of War in 1918 and returned to the United Kingdom. A printed letter from the King dated 1918 was sent to him 'welcoming him on his release'. The envelope and letter are pictured below:

 

Following demobilisation, Alexander re-joined the Northern Bank on 14th April 1919 and was posted to Newry branch. 

Transfers followed to Head Office (1921), Randalstown (1921) and Royal Avenue (1923). Whilst based in Royal Avenue branch, Alexander studied for his Institute of Bankers in Ireland examinations. On 15th June 1926, Edwin D Hill (director and author of the Northern Banking Company Centenary Volume 1824 to 1924) wrote a hand written letter to George giving unofficial notice of his examination result.

On 26th June 1926, the bank wrote to Alexander and congratulated him on securing first place in the preliminary examination. He received a cheque for £15 15/- (£15.75).

During 1930 Alexander applied to join the Irish Bank Officials' Association (IBOA) Medical Benefits Fund and was accepted in a letter dated 9th December 1930. The letter was addressed to Alexander at Head Office.

Later transfers were to Head Office (1930), Londonderry (1931), Head Office (1931) and Shaftesbury Square (1931). 

Northern Bank, Londonderry branch

On 27th August 1931, Alexander was found dead (poisoned by gas) at 5 Stranmillis Park, Belfast.  This was his sister’s residence. The 1918 Belfast Street Directory records ‘F Alexander’ as living at that address. He is buried in plot L1 16 in Belfast City Cemetery with his parents who had previously died in 1909 (Charlotte) and 1924 (Francis).

'ALSO THEIR SON GEORGE

DIED 27TH AUGUST 1931'

The Belfast News-Letter of 31st August 1931 included this tribute to Alexander in a cricket sports column:

The Belfast News-Letter of 29th September 1931 included this tribute to Alexander in a hockey sports column:

The Staff Magazine ‘The Link (Summer 1978)’ contains a photograph of Alexander appearing in the Northern Bank Cricket Team of 1928.

Additional family information has been kindly supplied by Charlie Alexander.