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.

McAlister, William Gordon

Sergeant William Gordon McAlister

McAlister was born on 17th July 1920 to James McAlister and Mary McAlister nee Kennedy. 'Gordon' was not recorded on the birth registration.

In January 1937 William volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force (VR) with service number 749508 and was appointed a Class F Reservist.

Following his education William joined the bank probably around 1938/1939.

William was serving with 51 Squadron RAF (VR) when he was killed in action on 9th September 1940.

Members of the ww2talk.com website give the following pieces of information:

--------------------------

Monday - Tuesday 9-10 September 1940

51 Squadron

Whitley V P5021

Took off from Dishforth for Berlin. damaged by flak and came down in the North Sea 120 miles East of the Firth of Forth, the survivors were picked up by a naval launch that had been tasked for the rescue following the sighting of the crew in their dinghy by a 220 Squadron Hudson.

Crew:

P/O. A W. Millson, Safe

Sgt. H C G. Brook . Safe

Sgt. W G. McAlister +

Sgt. E A. Young. Safe

P/O. D. Careless. Safe

Source - RAF Bomber Command Losses Vol.2 2nd Edition - W R. Chorley

--------------------------

1 Whitley was lost as part of a force of 76 Battles, Blenheims, and Wellingtons attacking targets in Germany, Belgium and France.

* other bombers were lost in other attacks, resulting in 15 showing as commemorated at Runnymede.

William [McAllister], however, is the only one from 51 Sqdn so commemorated, therefore it seems as if the aircraft may have come down in the sea and the rest of the crew rescued to fly again.

The pilot was P/O Carter with Sgts Brook and Young.

The Loss Card shows the serial as P5022 whereas elsewhere it seems to be P5021.

Fitting this should come up today RIP

Hmm, strange to have different pilot and an extra crew man!

--------------------------

Operations Record Card

The Loss Cards generously set up by Fred Wilson show only 4 crew with only McAlister detailed in full.

Crew details as per Loss Card, but Chorley is usually accurate, however the Loss Card SHOULD show the crew they thought was aboard.

As 3 were rescued, perhaps confusion crept in somewhere (and the * obviously should have read "8" other aircraft lost on other operations)

Perhaps "careless"!!

Millson, Brook, Young and Careless don't show as 51 Sqdn casualties...

--------------------------

The Belfast Telegraph dated 17th September 1940 reported that Sgt-Observer McAllister had been missing since 10th September.

Belfast Telegraph 17th September 1940

McAlister is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey - panel 16.

Runnymede - 2 up from bottom of panel

Air Forces Memorial, Cooper's Hill

Acknowledgements to CWGC.

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

William Gordon McAlister was born on 16 September 1912, the son of Mr and Mrs James McAlister. He was educated at Belfast Royal Academy and joined the staff of Ulster Bank at its head office in Belfast in April 1932. Four months later he transferred to Aughnacloy branch, where he remained for three months until returning to head office in November 1932. Outside work he was a long-standing member of Malone Rugby Football Club, and became a member of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

As a reservist, McAlister was called up for full-time service at the outbreak of war in September 1939. Sergeant McAlister was reported missing, and later presumed to have been killed, on 9 September 1940. He was 27 years old and left a widow, whom he had married in 1939.

William McAlister 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.

Love, James Clements

Sergeant James Clements Love

Love was born on 21st July 1917 at Clougherney, Co. Tyrone to William Love and Charlette Love nee Clements. He lived in Fintona and was educated in Dungannon Royal School and Omagh Academy.

James joined the Ulster Bank on 22nd February 1939. His last post in the Bank was in Castlewellan branch.

Ulster Bank, Castlewellan branch

James volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Air Force (VR) with service number 745109. 

The Aberdeen Press and Journal of 17th June 1940 carried a report from the Air Ministry that Sgt J C Love (RAF) was 'missing'.

The Scotsman of 7th February 1941 carried a further report from the Air Ministry that confirmed Sgt J C Love as 'previously reported missing, now presumed killed in action'.

Love was serving with 254 Squadron RAF (VR) when he was killed in action on 1st June 1940.

Sgt Love is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey - panel 16.

Info from CWGC, to 254 Squadron. 

Acknowledgements must also go to 12Oclockhigh website who state "... Blenheim IV R3630. Shot down by Fw Otto Sawallisch of 2./JG27 during patrol over the Goodwin Sands and crashed in the Channel 8.08 a.m.  Sergeant Richard Arthur Bate, Sergeant James Clements Love and LAC William Thomas Harrison all missing. Aircraft QY*Q lost. ..."

Further information courtesy of James Brady who also asks "I understood that he and a friend from the Bank enlisted together (? Also in the RAF ). Do you have any means of finding out the name of that person?" Please add a comment if you can assist with this query.

The NatWest Group Archives website has published this information:

James Clements Love was born on 21 July 1917. In March 1937 he started work for Ulster Bank at its Castlewellan branch.

At the outbreak of war in September 1939 Love left the bank to go on war service, joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Sergeant Love joined 254 Squadron, a Coastal Command Squadron, and he took part in air operations over Dunkirk during the Dunkirk evacuations, which happened between 28 May and 4 June 1940. The Blenheim in which he was flying was lost over Dunkirk on 1 June 1940, with all three crew members missing, presumed dead. He was 22 years old.

James Love 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.

Gawn, James D

James D Gawn

The following info MAY relate to this bank official:

James David Gawn was born at Station Road, Larne on 1st February 1920 to William Craig Gawn, Motor Engineer and Kathleen Gawn nee McKenzie. They were married on 23rd April 1918 at Joymount Presbyterian Church, Larne.

Following his education, Gawn joined the bank possibly around 1937 based on a joining age of 17.

The Forces War Record website does not record a James D Gawn as serving.

Gawn died on 3rd December 1978 and is buried in Larne. He was unmarried.

This information came from a Gawn family website.

Information Required

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

Nesbitt, William R

William R Nesbitt

Nesbitt was probably born around 1920.

Following his education, Nesbitt joined the bank probably around 1937 based on a joining age of 17.

The Forces War Records website records a W R Nesbitt serving in the Royal Regiment of Artillery with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1941.

The London Gazette dated 16th August 1946 records a W R Nesbitt as transferring from the Royal Artillery to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. His service number was 182835.

Information Required

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

Moody, David G

David G Moody

Moody was possibly born around 1922.

Following his education, Moody joined the bank possibly around 1939/40 based on a joining age of 17.

Moody volunteered and enlisted into the armed forces.

The Forces War Records website records a D G Moody serving as a 2nd Lieutenant with the Royal Ulster Rifles in 1941.

The London Gazette of 12th March 1946 records a 2nd Lieutenant D G Moody transferring from the Royal Ulster Rifles to the Royal Artillery. His service number was 214656.

Following demobilisation, Moody is thought to have returned to the bank.

Information Required

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

Ferguson, Thomas James

Thomas James Ferguson

Ferguson was born at Marlborough Park, Belfast on 13th March 1900 to Stanley Ferguson, Solicitor and Edith Francis Ferguson nee Carr. They had married on 11th April 1899 in Belfast.

In 1901, Ferguson (1) lived in house 7, Marlborough Park, Belfast with his parents and 2 servants; Elizabeth Donaghy and Charlotte Endicott.

In 1911, Ferguson (11) lived in house 16, Deramore Park, Belfast with his parents and 4 siblings; Stanley Carr (9), Frances Ethel (7), Sally Dickson (6) and Howard (2). Also in the house were a governess, a housemaid, a cook and a nurse. Stanley Ferguson detailed his occupation as Bank Director.

Following his education, Ferguson joined the probably around 1917 aged 17.

The book 'The Ulster Bank Story' by Lyn Gallagher mentions T J Ferguson on page 215 in the chapter on 'Juniors'. It records a Maureen Nash being interviewed by Ferguson in 1940 and at the end of the interview she was asked to start immediately. This date may indicate that Ferguson was already a member of the bank management and in a position to conduct interviews.

Stanley Ferguson is discussed in this website countydown in an article about a Banbridge firm, Edenderry Works and Thomas Ferguson and Co Ltd. The article says that Stanley qualified as a solicitor and may have been the Chairman of Ulster Bank in 1906. This is confirmed in the book 'The Ulster Bank Story' by Lyn Gallagher.

Affiliation with History Hub Ulster

Affiliation with History Hub Ulster

Ulster Bank War Memorials is pleased to continue its affiliation with History Hub Ulster.