Purdon, Charles Vesey

Lieutenant Charles Vesey Purdon

was born at 8 Mountjoy Terrace, Londonderry on 15th April 1891 to James Theodore Purdon, Bank Manager and Charlotte Amelia Grace Lucy Stuart Purdon nee Vesey. They had married on 27th April 1886 at the Mariners' Church of Ireland, Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire).

In 1901, Charles (9) was living in house 6, Quinsboro Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow with his parents and 2 siblings; Lucy Grace (13) and Henry De La Charis (6). A servant, Annie Shannon was also present in the property. The property is the Bank House and branch.

On 11th May 1908, Charles joined Northern Bank at Head Office.   

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Ball’s Branch (1908), Armagh (1911) and Grafton Street (1912).   

Ball's branch, Dublin

Northern Bank, Armagh branch

Northern Bank, Grafton Street branch

By 1911, Charles was living in house 3, Athol Terrace, Bray, Co. Wicklow with his parents and his 2 siblings. A servant, Helen Morris is present in the property. Charles' occupation is recorded as a Bank Official. The property is the Bank House and branch.

Whilst based in Grafton Street, Charles volunteered and enlisted on 20th November 1915 (aged 24) into the North Irish Horse as a Trooper with Service Number 1871.

C V Purdon - Medal Index Card

He was later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 18th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles before being posted to the 12th Bn. Service was seen in St. Quentin 1918.

Charles was injured once; a gunshot wound to the left leg.

The Belfast News Letter of 9th May 1918 reports:

The Belfast News Letter of 14th February 1919 reported a further promotion to Lieutenant

He was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.  His correspondence address was 33 Wellington Road, Dublin.

C V Purdon - Medal Roll

As a result of his injury, a Pension Card was opened:

C V Purdon - Pension Card

Following demobilisation in February 1919, Purdon re-joined the Northern Bank on 1st March 1919 at Grafton Street. Transfers followed to Ball’s Branch (1919 - Teller).

The Irish Society (Dublin) of 23rd August 1919 announced the engagement of Charles to Miss Gladys May Lopdell Polson with the marriage taking place on 7th July 1920 at Christ Church, Dublin.

Later transfers were to Bray (1925- Pro-Manager), Lisburn (1934 - Sub-Manager), Newcastle (1937 - Manager) and Castlewellan (1945 - Manager).

Northern Bank, Lisburn branch

Northern Bank, Castlewellan branch

The New Ross Standard of 1st January 1926 reported on a bank robbery at Northern Bank, Greystones when a revolver was pointed at Charles Purdon. The report was syndicated to many other newspapers including the Belfast Telegraph.

Whilst in Newcastle, Charles was elected Treasurer of the Royal County Down Golf Club.

A relative (see comments) advises that Purdon lived in Kilkeel until he died. Charles died on 19th April 1962. The PRONI Wills databases records:

"Purdon, Charles Vesey of Fiddane Manse Road Kilkeel county Down retired bank manager died 19 April 1962 Probate Belfast 17 August to Northern Bank Limited. Effects £3718 14s. 11d."