McCoubrey, William Fulton Kerr

Flying Officer William Fulton Kerr McCoubrey

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

McCoubrey was born at Glarryford, Ballymena in 1918.   

Following his education at Ballymena Academy, McCoubrey joined the bank at Head Office on 24th March 1937. Transfers followed to Kircubbin (1939), Downpatrick (1941) and Connswater (1941).

McCoubrey volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force VR with service number 1483495.  Promotions to Sergeant followed. The London Gazette records his promotions:

• 27th March 1945 promoted to Pilot Officer with the service number of 191438 as of 11th December 1944
• 6th July 1945 promoted from Pilot Officer to Flying Officer as of 11th June 1945. 

He was attached to Coastal Command and later served in Norway, Europe, North Africa, Middle East and India.

Following demobilisation in 1946, McCoubrey returned to the bank at Coleraine branch. He was moved to  Banbridge branch (1957) where he was appointed Pro-Manager in 1966. In 1968 he was appointed to Castlewellan as Manager. A further transfer was made in 1972 to Knock branch as Manager where he stayed until his retirement in 1980.

A couple of pictures of McCoubrey are on pages 91 and 126 of the book 'The Ulster Bank Story' by Lyn Gallagher.  He is quoted as being the manager of Castlewellan branch between the years 1968 to 1972.  McCoubrey also appeared in a BBC Schools broadcast that was made in 1972. 

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

William McCoubrey die don 24th November 1982 and was survived by his widow, Esmee and sons, Christopher and Richard (also in bank service). The Bank staff magazine published this obituary:

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam