Watson, William Ernest

Lieutenant William Ernest Watson

Watson was born at 3 Ardenlee Gardens, Belfast on 4th October 1919 to Thomas Edward Watson, Shipwright and Jane Watson nee Moffett. They had married on 14th April 1914 at Duncairn Gardens Presbyterian Church.

Following his education, Watson joined the bank around 1936/37 based on a starting age of 17.

Watson volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Armoured Corps. Promotion to 2nd Lieutenant from Cadet was in 1942. Lieutenant followed (service number 245394).

He was serving with the 145th (8th Bn. The Duke of Wellington's Regt.) Regt. when he was Killed in Action on 31st August 1944.

Watson is buried in the Coriano Ridge War Cemetery, Italy - grave reference XII C 5.

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

William Ernest Watson was born on 4 October 1919, the son of Thomas Edward Watson, a shipwright, and his wife Jane. In April 1939 he went to work for Ulster Bank at its head office in Belfast.

Two years later, in April 1941, Watson left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Armoured Corps. By 1941 he held the rank of Lieutenant and was serving in Italy. He was killed in action there on 31 August 1944. He was 25 years old.

William Watson is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the Second World War and its memorial for those who fell.

Scott, James Gilmore

Lieutenant James Gilmore Scott

Scott was born about 1922 to William James Scott and Ida Mabel Scott nee Coote. They had married on 8th June 1921 at Longford Church of Ireland.

Following his education, Scott joined the bank around 1939/40 based in a starting age of 17.

Scott volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Promotion to Lieutenant followed in 1943 - service number 258659.

He was serving with the 5th Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers attached to the 45th Regt. Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C. when he was killed in action on 13th April 1944 aged 22.

Scott also served with the Chindits.

The Larne Times of 4th May 1944 reported:

He is buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar (Burma) - reference 13 F 18.

Acknowledgements to CWGC and to Roll of Honour

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

James Gilmore Scott was born on 30 March 1922, the son of William James and Ida Mabel Scott. In April 1940 he went to work for Ulster Bank at its head office in Belfast. Seven months later he moved to Carrickmacross branch, and then in February 1941, to Bangor branch.

In May 1941 Scott left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. By 1944 he held the rank of Lieutenant, and was serving in Burma. He died there on 13 April 1944, two weeks after his 22nd birthday. The inscription on his gravestone reads 'Your memory hallowed in the land you loved'.

James Scott is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the Second World War and its memorial for those who fell.

Martin, Henry

Sergeant-Operator Henry Martin

Martin was born at Balteagh (townland) on 9th September 1915 to Thomas Martin, Farmer and Sarah Martin nee Gracey. They had married on 31st January 1916 at St. Barnabas Church of Ireland, Belfast.  

Following his education at Lurgan Technical College and Renfrew's College, Martin joined the bank in 1936 working in Head Office, Ballina, Head Office (again) and Banbridge branches.

He volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force (VR) with service number 950327.

Martin was serving as a wireless operator / air gunner with 99 Squadron RAF (VR) when he was killed in action on 29th September 1941 aged 26.

The Belfast Telegraph of 2nd October 1941 reports:

It is reported elsewhere that:

28/29.09.1941. No. 99 Squadron Wellington IC Z8869 Sgt. Watt and crew.

Mission: Frankfurt

Date: 28/29th September 1941 (Sunday/Monday)

Unit: No. 99 Squadron

Type: Wellington IC

Serial: Z8869

Code: LN-?

Base: R.A.F. Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire.

Location: Great Finborough, Suffolk.

Pilot: Sgt. John Sydney Ferguson Watt 1052238 R.A.F.V.R. Age ? Killed

Pilot 2: Sgt. John Duncan Broadley NZ403937 R.N.Z.A.F. Age 23. Killed

Obs: Sgt. John Weir Humphrey R/65191 R.C.A.F. Age 20. Killed

W/Op/Air/Gnr: Sgt. Henry Martin 950327 R.A.F.V.R. Age 26. Killed

W/Op/Air/Gnr: Sgt. John Kenneth Whitfield 945230 R.A.F.V.R. Age 26. Killed

Air/Gnr: Sgt. David Richardson 1379034 R.A.F.V.R. Age 29. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

Taking off at 19.11 hrs from R.A.F. Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire to attack the German city of Frankfurt - no further details as to the success of the operation but a disaster in particular for 99 Squadron and the allies in general losing some eight aircraft of the 30 Hampdens and 14 Wellingtons sent.

Wellington Z8869 had completed the operation, returning collided with a line of trees, exploding and crashing at 00.55 hrs at Stone Farm, Great Finborough, Suffolk.  A large haystack was also destroyed in the blaze.  No details as to what cased this but probably due to poor weather and low fuel. 

Martin is buried in Ringshall (St Catherine) Churchyard - row B.

Acknowledgements to CWGC

Acknowledgements to Aircrew Remembered 

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

Henry Martin was born on 9 September 1915, the son of Tom and Sarah Martin. In April 1935 he went to work for Ulster Bank at its head office in Belfast. He moved to Ballina branch in March 1938, back to head office in October 1938 and back again to Ballina branch in April 1939. Five months later he moved to Banbridge branch.

In May 1940 Martin left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Sergeant Martin died on active service on 29 September 1941. He was 26 years old.

Henry Martin is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the Second World War and its memorial for those who fell.

Long, Frederick

Sergeant Frederick Long

Long was born at Avenue Road, Lurgan on 9th May 1921 to William John Long, Post Office Clerk and Emma Jane Long nee England. They had married on 17th September 1918 at Knocknamuckley Church of Ireland, Portadown.

Following his education, Long joined the bank around 1938 based on a starting age of 17.

He volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force (VR) with service number 1530449.

Long was serving as a navigator / bomber with 142 Squadron RAF when he was killed in action on 9th April 1943.

He is buried in Massicult War Cemetery, Tunisia - Coll. grave VI A 3-6.

Acknowledgements to CWGC

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

Frederick Long was born on 9 May 1921, the son of William John and Emma Jane Long. In January 1940 he went to work for Ulster Bank at its head office in Belfast. A month later he moved to Dundalk branch, then back to head office in July 1941.

 

Just a few weeks later, on 27 August, Long left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Sergeant Long was killed when the bomber for which he was the navigator crashed in North Africa on 9 April 1943. He was 22 years old.

Frederick Long is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the Second World War and its memorial for those who fell.

Hawthorne, James Thomas

Sergeant James Thomas Hawthorne

Hawthorne was born at 175 Cambrai Street, Belfast on 6th November 1912 to James Thomas Hawthorne, Grocer and Mary Hawthorne nee Taylor. They had married on 13th June 1906 at Jennymount Presbyterian Church, Belfast.

Following his education, Hawthorne joined the bank around 1929 based on a starting age of 17.

He volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force (VR) with service number 973032.

Hawthorne was serving with 144 Squadron RAF as a wireless operator when he was killed in action on 1st February 1941.

It is reported that his Hampden aircraft, serial P1328 from No. 144 Squadron based at Willingham crashed at 2015 hours whilst flying in a snowstorm.  Sgt J K Thurlbeck and Sgt J T Hawthorne were both killed.

A death notice in the Belfast News-Letter of 10th February 1941 reports:

He is buried in Dundonald Cemetery - Sec. E 6 Grave 226.

Acknowledgements to CWGC - records his age as 27 (1914), to Flight Global website and to Bomber Command Aviation Resource website.

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

James Thomas Hawthorne was born on 6 November 1912, the son of James Thomas and Mary Hawthorne. In April 1934 he went to work for Ulster Bank at its head office in Belfast. Eleven months later he moved to Ballina branch, then back to head office in October 1935. He moved back again to Ballina branch in March 1936; to head office in November 1936; and to Donegal branch in February 1937.

In November 1939 Hawthorne left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He trained to be a wireless operator.

Sergeant Hawthorne was killed in a flying accident in England on 1 February 1941. He was 28 years old. James Hawthorne is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the Second World War and its memorial for those who fell.

Glendinning, James Edgar

Flying Officer James Edgar Glendinning

Glendinning was born at 11 Crawford Square, Londonderry on 7th April 1909 to John Clements Glendinning DL and Mary Frances Glendinning nee Campbell. They had married on 1st December 1897 at Ballinamallard, Co. Fermanagh.

In 1911 Glendinning (2) lived at house 11 Crawford Square, Londonderry with his parents and 2 brothers; William (11) and Harold Victor (7). Two others were resident in the property; Claire MacAllister, Mother's Help and Alice McCleary, Servant.

Following his education, Glendinning joined the bank around 1926 based on a starting age of 17.

He volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force (VR). Promotion from Flight Officer to Flight Lieutenant occurred in July 1943. Promotion to Flying Officer followed (service number 151029).

Glendinning was serving with 404 Squadron, RCAF when he was killed in action on 22nd December 1943.

The squadron's war diary says:

The squadron's luck once again turned sour on 22 December. Three Beaufighters were detailed to provide anti-flak escort on a Rover Patrol to the Lister area for four Torbeaus from 144 Squadron. The patrol discovered what was thought at the time to be a German Destroyer, but in fact was likely Minesweeper M-489 of 775 tons, and a fully surfaced submarine, U-1062, skippered by OL K Albrecht. The Buffalos immediately attacked and during a furious battle, numerous cannon hits were observed on both targets. The crew of P/O Miller and P/O Young made two runs at the submarine. Both enemy vessels escaped a critical torpedo strike.  The barrage that was put up by the Minesweeper and the submarine was fierce - the guns of the submarine shot down two 404 Squadron aircraft. One crew lost was F/L R Munro and F/O WB Conn. "H (Munro) attacked the U-Boat with cannon from seaward, diving from 700 feet.  Was met with intense fire and did not pull out of the dive but plunged straight down into the sea. F (Gillespie) was seen to be on fire, then nosed down with Navigator's gun still firing, and crashed into the sea." The second crew was F/O IG Gillespie and F/O JE Glendinning. It was later stated by a crew from 144 Squadron that they had seen both of the 404 aircraft hit the sea.  The U-1062 was transporting torpedoes.

The Londonderry Sentinel of 30th December 1944 reports:

Glendinning is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey - panel 124 and on the Downpatrick War Memorial.

Acknowledgements to CWGC and to 404 Squadron website. 

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

James Edgar Glendinning was born on 7 February 1909, the son of John Clements Glendinning, a Northern Irish politician and newspaper proprietor, and his wife Mary Frances. In June 1927 he went to work for Ulster Bank at its head office in Belfast. In February 1928 he moved to Larne branch, then back to head office in October 1930, to Belfast Shaftesbury Square branch in January 1931 and to Downpatrick branch in July 1938.

 

In January 1942 Glendinning left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Flying Officer Glendinning was reported missing, later confirmed dead, on 22 December 1943, when his aircraft crashed into the sea on an operation. He was 34 years old.

 

James Glendinning is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the Second World War and its memorial for those who fell.

Thomas, Richard Alexander

Sub-Lieutenant Richard Alexander Thomas

Thomas was born at 1 Stranmillis Gardens, Belfast on 4th November 1918 to Richard Blethyn Thomas and Alicia Thomas nee Ferguson. They had married on 1st January 1918 at Donegall Road Presbyterian Church, Belfast. 

Sadly, his mother, Alicia (23) died on 4th November 1918 at 1 Stranmillis Gardens, Belfast from influenza (48 hours) and pneumonia (1 day). 

Following his education at Methodist College, Belfast, Thomas went to work for the bank about 1937 based on a starting age of 19.

Thomas volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

He was serving on HMS St Angelo (Fleet Air Arm, Malta) when he was reported missing on 6th February 1942 although it is recorded elsewhere as 7th February 1942.

CWGC records him as Killed in Action as 6th February 1942.

FAA, 830 Sqn, St Angelo, air operations

THOMAS, Richard A, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A), RNVR, missing

The Belfast News-Letter of 14th February 1942 reports:

Thomas is remembered on the Lee-on-Solent Memorial, bay 4, panel 2.

Acknowledgements to CWGC

Acknowledgements to Naval History 

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

Richard Alexander Thomas was born on 4 November 1918, the son of Helena and Richard Blethyn Thomas. In March 1937 he went to work for Ulster Bank at its Gortin branch, moving to Omagh branch a year later.

In January 1941 Thomas left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He was posted to HMS St Angelo, a naval base in Birgu, Malta. Sub-Lieutenant (A) Thomas died on active service on 6 February 1942. He was 23 years old.

Richard Thomas is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the Second World War and its memorial for those who fell.

Bradley, John Whitfield

Pilot Officer John Whitfield Bradley

Bradley was born at 21 Eglantine Gardens, Belfast on 19th May 1918 to David Bradley, Tea Merchant and Minnie Bradley nee Kirker. They had married on 14th June 1909 at University Road Methodist Church, Belfast.

In 1911 the family lived in house 15, Pretoria Street, Cromac, Belfast. David was a book-keeper.

Following his education at Methodist College, Belfast, Bradley joined the bank around 1935 based on a starting age of 17.

Bradley volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force (VR). Promotions followed to Pilot Officer with service number 113428.

At one time, Bradley was stationed at RAF Oulton, located to the west of the market town of Aylsham, Norfolk. It was built between 1939 and 1940 as a bomber airfield and had grass runways.

Bradley was serving with 139 Squadron, RAF (VR) when he was killed in action on 15th October 1941 aged 23.

Courtesy of Nigel Henderson

He is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, panel 31.

Acknowledgements to CWGC

Family Headstone
Courtesy of Nigel Henderson

Methodist College, Belfast - War Memorial
Courtesy of Nigel Henderson

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

John Whitfield Bradley was born on 19 May 1918, the son of David and Minnie Bradley. In March 1937 he went to work for Ulster Bank at its head office in Belfast. In May 1938 he moved to Belfast Crumlin Road branch, and then back to head office in April 1939.

 

In June 1940 Bradley left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He trained as a pilot and eventually flew Blenheim bomber aircraft. On 15 October 1941 the Blenheim he was piloting was lost without a trace after takeoff from its UK base. The aircraft's crew, including Pilot Officer Bradley, were all killed on that day, although they were initially listed as missing and his death was not presumed until May 1942. John Bradley was 23 years old when he was killed.

 

John Bradley is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the Second World War and its memorial for those who fell.

Andrews, William Henry Lowry

Lieutenant William Henry Lowry Andrews (known as Lowry)

Andrews was born at 63 Marlborough Park South, Belfast on 8th December 1918 to Joseph Moody Andrews, Merchant and Lavina Hatrick Andrews nee Graham. They had married on 10th January 1917 at Windsor Presbyterian Church. 

Following his education in Bangor Grammar School, Andrews joined the bank around 1935 based on a starting age of 17.

He volunteered and enlisted into the army. Promotion to Lieutenant from Cadet followed in August 1940 (service number 143809). 

Andrews was serving with 32 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery when he was killed in action at El Alamein on 8th July 1942 aged 23.

The Belfast News-Letter of 27th July 1942 reported:

Lowry Andrews is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt. Grave reference 'XXIX A 9'.  

Acknowledgements to CWGC

There is a memorial to Andrews in the Trinity Presbyterian Church, Bangor.

Lowry Andrews is also remembered on the Bangor Grammar School War Memorial [picture] and on the Crusaders Union (Urban Saints) War Memorial, Isle of Wight [picture, website].

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

William Henry Lowry Andrews was born on 8 December 1918, the son of Joseph M Andrews, a merchant, and his wife Ina. He was educated at Bangor Grammar School. In April 1937 he went to work for Ulster Bank at its head office in Belfast. 

 

In December 1939 Andrews left the bank to go on war service, and by 1942 he was a Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, on active service in the Middle East. He was killed in action in Egypt on 8 July 1942. He was 23 years old.

William Andrews is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the Second World War and its memorial for those who fell.

Cumins, Oliver

Leading Aircraftman (Air Gunner) Oliver Cumins

Cumins was born at 'Lisveen', Ardenlee Avenue, Belfast on 4th April 1916 to John Macbeth Cumins, Butcher and Matilda Cumins nee Stewart. They had married on 22nd August 1909 at Drumlegagh Presbyterian Church, Strabane.

The family later moved to Carnbane (sometimes Cairnbane) House, Newport Bridge area of Lisburn.

Following his education in the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (Inst), Oliver joined the bank about 1933at Head Office followed by Enniskillen branch. 

Oliver volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force with service number 1112854.

He was killed in an aircraft accident on 31st May 1941 just over two miles away from the RAF Penross, Pwlleli, north Wales.

Oliver is buried in Lisburn Cemetery - reference Sec. A. Grave 451.

Oliver's family were advised of his death via the following two letters:

Courtesy of the organisers of 2015 Hillsborough WW2 Exhibition

Courtesy of the organisers of 2015 Hillsborough WW2 Exhibition

Local newspapers gave this account of the tragedy:

Courtesy of the organisers of 2015 Hillsborough WW2 Exhibition

Courtesy of the organisers of 2015 Hillsborough WW2 Exhibition

Oliver Cumins was buried with full military honours in Lisburn Cemetery.

Oliver is remembered on the Hillsborough War Memorial.

Oliver is also remembered on his church war memorial.

Acknowledgements to CWGC. There is no CWGC headstone.

Acknowledgements to As it Was

A researcher on the 'WW2 forum' advises:

"... I think the distinction is between 'killed', being associated with the hostilities, and 'died'.

For fliers, if the death occurred in a raid or sortie, I think that 'killed in action' is appropriate, no matter what the circumstances: shot down, ran out of fuel, hit a mountain in fog, or just disappeared.

If the death occurred on a training flight, I would put: 'died in an accident on active service'; for someone sheltering from a bombing raid on an airfield, 'killed on active service'; and if someone was killed in a road traffic accident while on leave, for example, just 'died in an accident'.

Incidentally, the number of deaths during training was quite substantial.

Belville ..."


Local history group, History Hub Ulster commemorated the centenary of the unveiling and dedication of the Hillsborough War Memorial on 13th May 2022 and created this video talk that also mentioned Oliver Cumins.

Another member of the Cumins family also served in WWII - Robert Cumins (dob 3rd January 1921):

Courtesy of the organisers of 2015 Hillsborough WW2 Exhibition

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

Oliver Cumins was born on 4 April 1916, the son of John Macbeth Cumins. He was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution. In June 1934 he went to work for Ulster Bank at its head office in Belfast. In September 1939 he moved to Enniskillen branch.

In early January 1941 Cumins left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Air Force. He was training to be an observer at 9 Bombing and Gunnery School in Wales when, on 31 May 1941, the aircraft in which he, a pilot and another student were flying crashed into the sea off Pwllheli. His body was found in the sea the next day. Leading Aircraftman Cumins was 25 years old.

Oliver Cumins is commemorated on two memorials at Ulster Bank’s Belfast head office: its roll of honour for staff who served in the Second World War and its memorial for those who fell.