Gifford, Richard J

Regimental Sergeant Major (WO1) Richard James Gifford (known as Dick)

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Gifford was born at Quoile, Downpatrick on 24th May 1917 to Frederick William Gifford, Solicitors Assistant and Maude H Gifford nee Cadden. They had married on 26th July 1916 at Omagh Church of Ireland.

Following his education, Gifford joined the bank in 1937 at Head Office. A move to College Green followed in 1938.

At the outbreak of war, Gifford volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Ulster Rifles and served in Norway until the evacuation. He later transferred to the King's African Rifles, of which he became Regimental sergeant Major (RSM/WO1) and served in Abyssinia, Somaliland and Eritrea. He was wounded in action during his wartime service.

Following demobilisation, Gifford returned to the bank at Shaftesbury Square with later transfers to Strabane, Banbridge and Omagh. He was appointed to teller in Bullion Department in 1961 and became Pro-Manager there in 1966.

Gifford married Alison and they had 2 children; Richard and Jonathan.

He retired as manager, Bullion on 30th November 1978.

Dick Gifford (2nd from right) - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam