Atkinson, Norman D

2nd Lieutenant Norman Duncan Atkinson

Atkinson was born at 31 Ashley Avenue, Belfast on 26th July 1919 to George Duncan Atkinson, Methodist Clergyman and Florence Margaret Atkinson nee Hutchinson. They were married on 1st July 1914 at St. Peters Methodist Church, Phibsborough, Dublin.

Following his education, Norman joined the Ulster Bank and first served as a junior working in the Paste Room (c. 1938).

A photograph of him with colleagues, J K Porter, T K Adair and C F R Anderson appears on page 219 of the book, 'The Ulster Bank Story' by Lyn Gallagher. Adair and Porter also served during the war.

The website Forces War Records details a N D Atkinson who served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1941.

If Atkinson had continued his army career into the TA after the war, then it is possible that the following Atkinson is the same person.

The London Gazette of 16th October 1965 records a 2nd Lieutenant N D Atkinson with Service Number 473673 being confirmed as 2nd Lieutenant with effect from April 1963 and being promoted to Lieutenant in September 1965. He was serving with the Royal Corps of Signals.

Anderson, Robert B

Robert B Anderson

Anderson would probably have been born between 1915 and 1922 giving an age range of 17 to 24 at the start of the war in 1939.

Information Required

Please assist me by emailing gavinbamford@btinternet.com with any information that you would have on this Ulster Bank official.

Harrison, Edwin A

Edwin A Harrison

Harrison would probably have been born between 1915 and 1922 giving an age range of 17 to 24 at the start of the war in 1939.

Information Required

Please assist me by emailing gavinbamford@btinternet.com with any information that you would have on this Ulster Bank official.

Harriman, Rene W

Rene William Harriman

Harriman was born at 32 Lancefield Road, Belfast on 24th March 1911 to Frederick George Harriman,  Schoolmaster and Claire Harriman nee Philippe. 

In 1911, Harriman (0) is living in house 4, Lancefield Road, Windsor, Belfast with his parents. His grandmother, Alice also lives in the house. In addition, there is also a hospital nurse and a general domestic servant living there.

Following his education, Harriman would probably have joined the bank around 1928.

Harriman married Sybil McGowan on 25th July 1940 at Rathgar Roman Catholic Church, Dublin. His occupation is recorded on the marriage registration as 'British Army Officer'.

The Forces War Record website records a R W Harriman serving in the Royal Regiment of Artillery with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1941. There are other Harriman's also listed.

Hamilton, Rowan Witherow

Captain Rowan Witherow Hamilton OBE

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Hamilton was born in Manchester around 1923 to Thomas W Hamilton, Linen business and Mrs Hamilton.

Following his education at Burnage Grammar School, Manchester. He was on holiday in Ballynahinch staying with his uncle, Dr R A Hamilton when war broke out. Through his uncle, Hamilton joined the bank on 25th January 1940 and started in the Letter Department in Head Office in Waring Street, Belfast with a starting salary of £100 pa.

In April 1941, Hamilton volunteered and enlisted into the North Irish Horse at Portrush. he went to Sandhurst in 1942 and won the 'Belt of Honour' before being commissioned into the Royal Armoured Corps. His Service Number was 243525. He was then posted to a tank regiment and served in North Africa and Italy. He was Mentioned in Despatches during the fighting which breached the Rimini-Pisa Line. When the war ended he went to Brigade and subsequently Division Headquarters as a Staff Officer, and was granted honorary rank as Captain on demobilisation.

Family members have sent this research on Hamilton's war record (with many thanks for reaching out):

He was in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment in 1944 in Italy for the attack on the Gothic Line.

He was in the 8th Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment which was converted into the 145th Regiment Royal Armoured Corps.  The 145th Regiment RAC was part of the 21st Army Tank Brigade which was part of the Canadian 1 Corp for the attack on the Gothic Line ( a German defensive line in Northern Italy) which was part of the British 8th Army (of Desert Rats fame).

16th August 1944 

 

“The main plan was to capture Ginestreto (south of Rimini) which was to be used as the forming up place for the attack on the Gothic Line.” 

 

 

As the Edmontons attacked they met stiff resistance.  One tank was hit and three of the crew were wounded and taken prisoner.

"At 2000 hrs the Edmontons, supported by three tanks, commanded by Lieuts. Douse, Mackenzie and Hamilton, put in another attack - this time successfully - and Capt Grieve, L/Cpl Taylor and Tpr Johnson were released from captivity and sent back to hospital.”

20th September 1944

 

“C Squadron moved forward to support both the Loyal Edmontons and the Seaforths for the final attack on the San Fortunato feature.  At first light the squadron was lined up in the sunken road that led to the summit.  Three enemy self propelled guns, probably “Tigers”, were reported, and the squadron had already come under fire.  The enemy put up very stiff resistance, and put down heavy fire from weapons of every calibre.  The Squadron Commander was severely wounded when he pushed forward in order to try to locate some enemy tanks holding up the advance.  Lieut. Hamilton assumed command of C Squadron. Progress was again slow.  Bitter fighting took place and Lieut. Hamilton did extremely well to retain control of the situation.  Reports came in from various sources stating that enemy tanks were very busy.  Eventually one “Tiger” was knocked out single handed by a Seaforth infantryman.”

Assuming Rowan remained in command of C Squadron:

19th October 1944 

 

“C Squadron supported the Nova Scotia Regiment (3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade) in a skirmish on the outskirts of Cesena.  One tank was hit, but no casualties were suffered.  The following morning this small town was taken by the Loyal Edmonton Regiment with troops of B and C Squadron in support.”

21st October 1944 

 

Part of a small force that probed enemy lines by performing short advances every few days.  They moved to approximately 10 miles south of Ravenna.  The enemy in the area of the airfield had become active and C Squadron fired on them.

Enemy artillery were active and firing on the Royal Canadian Dragoons.  C Squadron fired on them.

23rd October 1944

 

Assisted in recovering an abandoned German Panther tank in working order and returning it to be repaired and used as a reserve tank if needed.

The 145th Regiment was disbanded in Dec 1944/Jan 1945, so I am assuming Rowan then left the army.

I haven’t been able to track down exactly what action he was involved in to be ‘Mentioned In Despatches”.  It is most likely to be either, or both, of the first two actions.

 

Lieutenant R W Hamilton - MID Certificate

Following demobilisation in December 1946, Hamilton returned to the bank. He recorded his transfers as Corn Market (1959 - Ledger Clerk), Head Office (1960 - Controller's Assistant), Head Office (1961 - Chairman's Secretary), Head Office (1962 - Interim Manager), Crumlin Road (19xx - Manager), O'Connell Street, Dublin (1966 - Manager), Head Office (1967 - Controller), Head Office (1969 - Director of Branch Banking) and Head Office (1972 - Chief Executive).

Hamilton retired in 1982 as Chief Executive. He is recorded on many pages of 'The Ulster Bank Story' by Lyn Gallagher.

As Chief Executive, Hamilton also signed a series of Ulster Bank notes.

Rowan W Hamilton (right) - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Hamilton was elected as President of the Institute of Bankers in Ireland 1972/73:

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Hamilton retired from the bank in 1982 and continued his board membership in a non-executive capacity.

He was a keen sportsman and played football for the bank in 1948:

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Hamilton was appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE):

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Hamilton, Reginald R

Reginald R Hamilton (known as Reggie)

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Hamilton was a native of Armagh and may have been born around 1924.

Following his education Hamilton joined the bank in 1941.

Hamilton volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Navy and achieved the rank of Leading Writer, 1943 to 1947.

Following demobilisation, Hamilton returned to the bank. Later transfers took him to Londonderry (1959 then Pro-Manager 1965), Head Office (Controller's Assistant) and Knock (1969 - Manager).

In 1952 he married Miss Doreen Walker of Armagh. They had 3 children; Michael, Janet and Mary. Both Michael and Janet became staff members.

1952 saw an appointment as Controller, North East area.

Reggie Hamilton retired on 31st March 1983.

Grant, James W

Major James Walter Grant (known as Walter)

Bank staff magazine - photograph courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Grant was born on 3rd May 1910 to Albert Grant, Bank Official and Emily Margaret Grant nee Martin. They had married on 6th June 1909 at Union Chapel, St Thomas Presbyterian Church, Dublin.

In 1911 Albert (0) is living in house 77, Ballymaconnell Town, Co. Cavan with his parents. Albert records his career as a bank cashier. He retired as a Director of the bank in 1951.

The Lennon Wylie website records J W Grant as being educated in Campbell College, Belfast.

1963 *Grant, James Walter (E), b. 3rd May, 1910, son of Albert Grant, Ulster Bank, Cromac Street, Belfast. Brother of 2052 and 2123. U.VI, April, 1928. 1st XV, 1927-28. Ulster Bank Official. 1939-45 War: Capt., R.U.R. Address: 31 Adelaide Park, Belfast.

Following his education, Grant joined the bank in 1928 at Markets, Belfast branch.

Cheque drawn on Markets branch

In 1940 Grant volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Ulster Rifles. He subsequently transferred to the London Irish Rifles and served with them in North Africa in 1942. He commanded a Company with the rank of Major and was seriously wounded in an encounter with German forces in that area. He became a Prisoner of War in Italy and remained there for 8 months until he was released at the time of the allied invasion of that country.

The Forces War Records website lists a J W Grant as serving in the Royal Ulster Rifles in 1940 as a 2nd Lieutenant.

The London Gazette of 2nd September 1941 records a J W Grant with service number 122435 being promoted to Lieutenant wef 27th August 1941.

The London Gazette of 6th April 1948 records Lt Grant relinquishing his commission as of 28th August 1947 and being granted the honorary rank of Captain.  He is recorded as serving then as Lt and Paymaster in the Royal Army Pay Corps.

Following his demobilisation, Grant returned to the bank at Lisburn Road branch with transfers following to Head Office (Assistant Inspector - 1950, Assistant Manager - 1956), Waring Street (Assistant Manager - 1957), Coleraine (Manager - 1960), Shaftesbury Square (Manager - 1961) and Donegall Place (Manager - 1968).

Grant married Irene Smyth of Magherafelt in 1959 and had 3 children; Christine, David and John.

In 1969 he was appointed Area Manger, North-East Area, based at Canada House. Albert Grant, father, was an honoured guest with Walter Grant at one of the bank board meetings.

Bank staff magazine - photograph courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Grant retired from the bank in 1975 and a reception with presentation was held on 18th April 1975 at the Reform Club, Belfast. The Bank staff magazine published this account of the event:

Bank staff magazine - photograph courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Gilmour, Bryce

Captain Bryce Gilmour

Bank staff magazine - photograph courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Gilmour was born at Castle Street, Ballyshannon on 14th May 1916 to William Gilmour, Post Office Official and Annie Gilmour nee Mitchell. They had married on 6th July 1914 at Ballyshannon Presbyterian Church.

Following his education at Foyle College, Londonderry, Gilmour joined the bank on 25th June 1934 at Cavan branch.

Gilmour volunteered and enlisted in November 1939 into the Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery and attained the rank of Captain.

In 1946 he re-joined the bank at Head Office followed by transfers to Connswater, Crumlin Road, Lisburn Road, Shankill (1958), Carlisle Circus (Teller - 1965), Glengormley (Manager - 1968) and Shankill Road (Manager - 1971).

He is mentioned in 'The Ulster Bank Story' by Lyn Gallagher on page 287 where he is recorded as being the manager of the Shankill Road branch during the early 1970's.  At different times, he experienced raids, kidnappings, incendiary bombs and fires. 

Bryce married and had 2 sons, Bryce and Irvine and a daughter, Lindsay.

He retired from the bank on 31st March 1979.

Gilfillan, William

Flight Lieutenant William Gilfillan (known as Bill)

Bank staff magazine - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

Gilfillan was born at Myroe, Limavady on  4th October 1918 to William Gilfillan, Farmer and Mary Gilfillan nee Fulton. They had married on 24th March 1915 at Drum Presbyterian Church, Bovevagh, Limavady.

Following his education at Limavady Grammar School, Gilfillan joined the bank in 1938. He was transferred to Ballynahinch the following year.

Gilfillan volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force as a Wireless Operator. In the following year he re-mustered for Pilot Training. He graduated as a Pilot with the US Army Air Corps in 1942 and was Staff  Pilot at Central Navigations School before doing a tour of operations with 189 Squadron Bomber Command. Later he served as a Ferry Pilot until his demobilisation in 1946.

The London Gazette of 31st March 1944 records a William Gilfillan with service number 1123759 being promoted from Flight Sergeant to Pilot Officer with service number 172536 (as of 17th January 1944). Promotions followed to Flying Officer (as at 17th July 1944) and Flight Lieutenant (as at 17th January 1946).

Following demobilisation, Gilfillan returned to the bank at Londonderry branch with later transfers to Carrickmacross (1942) and Ballymena branches (1950). In 1959 he was transferred to Coleraine branch becoming a Pro-Manager there in 1963. Further promotions followed, Assistant Inspector (1967) and Manager, Lurgan branch (1969).

Gilfillan married a former official, Miss Rebecca L Bailey of Moybrick, Dromara. They had a son, Matthew and 2 daughters, Betty (Mrs Miles) and Joan (a previous bank official).

He retired as manager of Lurgan branch on 30th June 1982.

Bill Gilfillan (left) - photo courtesy of Rodney Sweetnam

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