Armstrong, Robert J

Robert John Armstrong (Known as RJ)

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Armstrong was born at Newry to Samuel Arthur Armstrong, Merchant. He would probably have been born between 1915 and 1922 giving an age range of 17 to 24 at the start of the war in 1939.

Following his education at the Royal School, Dungannon, Armstrong entered the bank on 11th May 1928 at Ranelagh, Dublin branch. Further transfers took him to Head Office, Tuam, Castlerea, Londonderry, Head Office and College Green branches.

In September 1939, whilst at College Green branch, Armstrong volunteered and enlisted into the Anti Aircraft, Royal Artillery Regiment. He was later invalided out in the army category of 'unfit for any form of military service'. 

He returned to the bank at Blackrock branch followed by Camden Street, Mullingar and O'Connell Street branches prior to his appointment as Pro-Manager at Ranelagh branch in 1962. Promotion to Manager at Ranelagh branch came in September 1968.

Armstrongs short war service motivated him to join the Royal British Legion serving as Chairman of the Irish Metropolitan branch in 1966 and 1967. 

His banking qualifications included the Diploma of the Institute of Bankers in Ireland, Foreign Exchange and Trusteeship diplomas. He was a keen golfer representing the bank at Institute events.

He retired in 1973 as manager of Ranelagh branch.

R J Armstrong (centre) - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Armstrong died on 24th March 1992 and left a widow, Olive.