McElderry, Edward John

Edward John McElderry

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

McElderry was born at Dublin Road, Drogheda on 30th January 1913 to John Henry McElderry, Manager, Spinning Mills and Ina Amy Alice McCoubrey nee Symes. They had married on 12th January 1911 at St. Peter's Church of Ireland, Drogheda.

This website records the family of a John Henry McElderry who married an Ina Symes and had 3 children, Neville, Tom and Edward. 

Note:  His brother was Victor Neville McElderry (born 1926) when the family were living in 7 Kirklistown Gardens, Belfast. The website Soham Grammar records an article by Neville McElderry.

The 1911 Irish Census records a John Henry McElderry and a Mrs Ina Amy Alice McElderry residing in house 10, Dublin Road, St. Laurence Gate, Louth (probably Drogheda).  They have no family.

McElderry was educated at Campbell College until 1924 when he moved to Bangor Grammar School and then on to RBAI (INST). The Lennon Wylie website records the following for him:

1900. McElderry, Edward John (E), b. 30th January, 1913, son of J. H. McElderry, Moyola, Donaghadee Road, Bangor, Co. Down.   Brother of 3037. II, July, 1924. Bangor Grammar School, 1924-29. R.B.A.I., 1929-31.   1939-45 War: R.A.   Bank Official. Address: 5 Ardmore Terrace, Holywood, Co. Down. (M.q.)

Following his education, McElderry joined the bank on 22nd April 1931 at Head Office. Transfers followed to Shankill and Knock branches.

McElderry volunteered and enlisted into the S/L Regiment, Royal Artillery with the rank of Gunner. He served with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France and was evacuated at Dunkirk. Later he served in Belgium and Germany with the rank of Lance Bombardier.

After demobilisation, McElderry returned to the bank and served in Shaftesbury Square, Head Office, Longford, Castlepollard, (1957 - Cashier) Cavan (1962 - Cashier/Pro-Manager) and Edgesworthstown (1967 - Manager) branches. In 1969 he was appointed as Manager in Trim branch.

Edward McElderry retired in April 1976 and went to live in Banff, Scotland with his wife.

He died on 14th May 1991. His wife had pre-deceased him. The Bank staff magazine published this obituary:

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam