Clarke, Eric Ronald

Bombardier Eric Ronald Clarke (known as Eric)

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Clarke was born at Brookborough, Co. Fermanagh on 12th January 1909 to William John Clarke, Land Agents Assistant )for Lord Brookborough) and Frances Jane Clarke nee Carrothers. They had married on 30th December 1903 at Brookborough Methodist Church.

The 1911 Irish Census records Eric (2) residing in house 41, Brookborough, Co. Fermanagh with his parents and 3 siblings; Henry Osmond (6), William Norman (4) and Norah Elizabeth Mathers (0).

Following his education at Clones High School and Portora Royal School, Clarke joined the bank on 28th March 1927 at Castlerea branch. He was later transferred to Head Office, Wexford, Armagh and Enniskillen branches.

Clarke married Miss Avril McFetridge of Armagh in 1939.

In 1942, Clarke volunteered and enlisted into 77th Highland Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. He served as a Bombardier in North Africa, Italy and Greece.

Following his demobilisation, Clarke returned to the bank and served in Enniskillen and Donegall Place branches. In 1960 he was appointed to Staff Department as Chief Clerk, Assistant Staff Controller (1964) and on 1st March 1964 he was appointed Staff Controller. A redesignation to Personnel Controller came later.

Clarke is mentioned in 'The Ulster Bank Story' by Lyn Gallagher on page 274. He is described as Personnel Controller in the Personnel Division.

He retired on 27th March 1972.

Eric Clarke died on 16th April 1985 leaving a widow, Avril, his sister Elsie, brother, Sir Henry Clarke FRCS London and a wide family circle. The bank staff magazine published this obituary:

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam