Quail, Hugh Herbert Ormsby

2nd Lieutenant Hugh Herbert Ormsby Quail

was born at Arthur Street, Ballina on 3rd March 1897 to Hugh Alexander Quail, Bank Clerk and Josephine Quail nee Ormsby. They had married on 17th September 1891 at Ballina Roman Catholic Chapel.

In 1901 Hugh (4) was living in house 15, Clontivrin, Clonkeelan, Co. Fermanagh. with his parents and 2 siblings; David (6) and Henry (2). A servant, Mary Reilly was also resident in the property. The father is recorded as a Bank Cashier (Bank of Ireland - see newspaper clipping below).   

By 1911 Hugh was living in house 47.2 High Street, Portadown, Co. Armagh with his parents and brothers. His father is described this time as a Bank Official. The property is the Bank of Ireland 'Bank House'.

Bank of Ireland 'Bank House' and branch, Portadown

On 'Ulster Day', 28th September 1912, a Hugh Quail signed the Ulster Covenant at Armagh giving his address as 4 Barrack Street, Armagh.

Hugh (17) may have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1914 working in Markets branch. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee and gave his address as Bank of Ireland House, Belturbet. 

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Markets branch (Victoria Street)

Hugh served with the 10th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles and attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records Hugh as having been 'previously wounded' with his last known address 'in France'.

The Belfast News Letter of 15th August 1917 reports on his wounding

It is not known if Hugh re-joined the bank following his demobilisation.

Hugh sailed from Belfast on 24th July 1926 for Quebec and Montreal, Canada on the ship 'Regina'.

Hugh Quail died in Stratford, Ontario, Canada on 28th August 1941 after living there for a period of 17 years (circa 1924). His occupation is recorded as a Department Foreman, Furniture Worker.

He is buried in the Avondale Cemetery, Stratford: