Neilly, Robert

Robert Neilly (known as Bob)

Bank staff magazine - photograph courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Neilly was probably born around 1916 based on a joining age of 17 to the bank..

Following his education Neilly joined the bank on 8th May 1933 at Head Office and then York Street branch in 1935.

A picture of Neilly appears on page 218 of the book 'The Ulster Bank Story' by Lyn Gallagher in the chapter called 'Juniors'. The photograph shows 4 juniors on holidays in Jersey during the 1930's. Although the text spells his surname as Neely (Premises), the index spells it as Neilly.

Bank staff magazine - photograph courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

In 1940, Neilly volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force and served in the Middle East as a Wireless Operator.

After demobilisation in 1946, Neilly returned to the bank at York Street branch and then on Relief Staff from 1950, Mountpottinger (19xx), Donaghadee (1956), Relief Staff (1967). He was appointed to Premises Department as Pro-Manager in 1967 and became Manager there in 1969.

Neilly is mentioned again on page 286 of the same book in a piece re the damage done to Ulster Bank premises during 1971. In one bomb attack, 2 of the staff of Neilly's department were injured.

Neilly retired on 8th May 1978.

Robert Neilly died on 24th March 1992 leaving his widow, Ethel (the former Miss Ethel Black of Castlerock). The bank staff magazine published this obituary:

Bank staff magazine - photograph courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam