The Second World War in Northern Ireland
The Second World War in Northern Ireland
S.A.S. Trooper from Moira Murdered by the Gestapo.
The Murder of Joseph Walker, Special Air Service by the Gestapo.
At 23.34 on the night of 4th July 1944 Captain Garstin and eleven other S.A.S. Soldiers took off from Keevil Airfield in a Short Stirling aircraft to be dropped by parachute behind enemy lines at near La Ferte-Alais to the south of Paris as part of “Operation Gain”
The Unit had been divided into two groups with all of the Northern Ireland soldiers being with Captain Garstin and Lance Corporal Vaculik who was Free French.
French Resistance Fighters had been informed of the parachute drop however two of them believed that a third, who used to take used parachutes and sell them in Paris, was missing for some time and may have been captured by the Gestapo.
On the previous night of 3rd / 4th July a coded BBC radio message had been received by the Resistance Fighters telling them of a Parachute Drop however on that occasion the flight was cancelled with insufficient time to inform the French.
Ominously while they waited at the Drop-Zone some automatic gunfire was heard in the area.
The following night the Resistance again went to the same location having received another coded message via BBC Radio however on this occasion the first two Frenchmen to arrive were fired on and killed by Germans and all of the others, except one, returned home not knowing that the Germans knew the recognition letter for the drop which was “B for Bertie”
At 01.53 the S.A.S. parachuted from the aircraft with most landing on the Drop Zone, which was a field of wheat, whilst the final five to jump had landed in a Wood. At the edge of the D.Z. was a group of men wearing civilian clothes who greeted Captain Garstin with the words “Vive la France” immediately after which the soldiers came under fire from automatic weapons.
There was a brief exchange of fire however it soon became obvious that the S.A.S. were surrounded and subsequently Vaculik was captured at 06.00 and Corporal Jones an hour later. - They soon learned that Captain Garstin, Lieutenant Wiehe, Trooper Thomas James “Tot” Barker (Previously of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and from Cookstown, County Tyrone) and Lance Corporal Howard Lutton (Who had been Army Air Corps and from County Armagh) had also been captured after being wounded.
Lance Corporal Lutton subsequently died of his wounds and is buried in Clichy Northern Cemetery.
Captain Garstin and Trooper Barker received hospital treatment for their wounds whilst the other men were initially taken to a converted Hotel near Champ de Mars in central Paris and then a Gestapo Headquarters where they were kept and interrogated for three days before being returned to the converted hotel.
A day or two later Captain Garstin and Trooper Barker were reunited with the other soldiers however Captain Garstin was very weak.
On 8th August all of the soldiers were given civilian clothing and told that they were to be exchanged for German Agents who were held by the British in London and that they were required to wear civilian clothing to ensure that they could pass through civilian areas.
At 01.00 the following morning all of the men were told to board a lorry and were driven north of Paris.
About five hours later they reached a Wood which was East of Noailles and here they were ordered out of the lorry and told to walk along a narrow path to a clearing in the Wood.
Corporal Vaculik asked if they were to be shot and received a reply to that effect.
The S.A.S. men were lined up from left to right Jones, Captain Garstin, Corporal Vaculik, Varey, “Tot” Barker, Joseph Walker (From Moira, County Down) and William Pearson “Billy” Young (Previously Royal Ulster Rifles and from Randalstown, County Antrim), although it is not certain if the order was Barker, Walker or Walker, Barker.
Facing the men were a number of Gestapo. Two Officers who were armed with Sten guns at the ready whilst another read out the Sentence. A Sergeant of the Gestapo who translated and a Gestapo Agent in civilian clothes.
The Sentence was as follows :- “For having wished to work in collaboration with the French Terrorists and thus to endanger the German Army, you are condemned to the Penalty of Death and will be Shot”
On hearing the word “Shot” all of the men tried to escape into the woods.
Corporal Vaculik managed to get away while Corporal Jones tripped and fell. The Gestapo men ran past him thinking he was dead and when he got up again he saw four bodies lying where they had been shot but could not identify them before he tried to escape.
This Incident was investigated by Captain Sadler and Major Poat of the S.A.S. who visited Noailles around 20th September and on speaking with the local Resistance Leader he showed them where he believed the murders had taken place and also where the bodies of the S.A.S. soldiers were buried.
A grave had been dug in a wooded area about two miles from where the shooting had taken place and near a large chateau that is approximately one mile to the east of Noailles.
The Resistance fighter said that the Germans had a two day Curfew in place following the shooting and were searching for the bodies of Soldiers Jones and Vaculik.
The bodies of 5 murdered S.A.S. men lay at the scene for three days before finally being buried by a German Army Unit consisting of one Officer and approximately nine men who had been in the Chateau.
During the Investigation it was necessary to open the grave and on doing so a total of five bodies were found. All of them were dressed in civilian clothing and showed signs of having been handcuffed.
One of the bodies was identified as that of Captain Garstin.
All of the bodies were subsequently buried in Marrissel Cemetery at Beauvais with Captain Garstin being grave number 325 and the others 326 - 329.
The Gestapo had tried to conceal their actions so the Investigation looked into the Germans who had occupied the Chateau who had buried the bodies.
A woman Collaborator, who had worked for the Germans in the Chateau and believed that they had been a Luftwaffe Signal Section, identified a number of the soldiers including Captain Hans Garling, Officer Hans Zool and Oberfeldwebel Gall.
Joseph Walker was one of three Brothers who joined the Armed Forces so I am continuing this story below.
Isaac Walker had joined the Irish Guards and was 21 years old when he was Killed in Action in Tunisia, North Africa on 28th April 1943.
Joseph Walker's Headstone in Marissel French National Cemetery, Beauvail which is between Amiens and Paris.
From left to right are the headstones of Patrick Garstin, Thomas Barker, Thomas Varey (From York), Joseph Walker and William Young. (Thanks to Colin Heyburn)
(Thanks very much to Andrew Charles for this Headstone photograph)
William John Walker served with the Royal Marines and was discharged in 30th November 1944 with 7 1/2 years service.
Shown below is Guardsman Walker's Service Scroll along with a Letter from Captain Riding of D Squadron, Special Air Service Regiment which was sent to Joseph Walkers parents explaining that he had been killed. (Many thanks to Clive Higginson)
St John's Church of Ireland, Moira - John Leishman
The War Memorial at the front of St John's Church of Ireland in Moira has the name of Joseph Walker as shown above.
Buried in the Graveyard is Second World War Veteran John Leishman
John Leishman served with the 51st Highland Division during the Second World War.
He was born in Falkirk, Scotland and joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at Sterling Castle on the day the United Kingdom entered the war on 3rd September 1939.
It was when he was serving in Northern Ireland that he met the woman who was to become his Wife in 1941 - Florence.
John served in the Lisburn, Donacloney, Waringstown and Moira areas on Northern Ireland.
He was evacuated from Dunkirk with the British Expeditionary Force and saw action with the 8th Army in North Africa as well as being involved in the Italian Campaign.
On D-Day he landed at Sword Beach in Normandy.
Some years ago he met Queen Elizabeth in Belfast and took the opportunity to remind Her Majesty that when she was serving in the A.T.S. She had changed the spark plugs on a car he was driving!
To See the Programme "Story of a Lifetime John Leishman" click https://vimeo.com/105745478 (From Third Street Studios, OMAS Media)
Waringfield Military Hospital, Moira
Waringfield Military Hospital was constructed during 1942 and was opened in June of that year as a 900 bed Convalescent Hospital.
5th General Hospital Emergency Medical Service Detachment of 2nd General Hospital arrived from Oxford to replace 5th General Hospital who had been there from the opening of the Hospital.
A video of the old Hospital can be seen by clicking on the link below.
Roy Whittaker was serving with 4/5 East Kent Yeomanry. He was a medic and arrived at Waringfield Hospital in 1946/7.
During his time at Waringfield he assisted in treating Soldiers who had been held Prisoner of War by the Japanese in Burma.
The three Scottish Soldiers shown below had been P.O.W's in Burma and are shown in Waringfield.
Roy Whittaker is playing in the Dance Band which is photographed whilst performing at Waringfield Hospital.
(Many Thanks to Andrew Whittaker for these pictures. - *****PLEASE DO NOT COPY *****)
Some of the old Nissen Huts of the Hospital can be seen in this photograph from after the War. (Thanks to Ronny Soetens)
In the top right of the photograph above can be seen the Water Treatment Plant for the Hospital. - Some of these structures still remain and can be seen below.
The top aerial photograph shows the Waringfield Hospital site (From Moirahistory.uk) while the colour photograph shows the buildings after the war.
(Many thanks to Old Lurgan Photos)
Waringfield Military Hospital, Moira (PRONI)
Second World War Graffiti in Moira
These two trees have some Second World War graffiti on them.
The one on the right has "Victory" written twice - Both across and down whilst the picture above says "Neeven Alken Belgie" - Neeven is a Belgian Surname with Alken being a town to the East of Brussels in Belgium.
William James McClure from Donaghadee.
William was born on 4th December 1912 to Fred and Margaret McClure.
William joined the Royal Artillery on 25th September 1939.
He was posted to 9th (Londonderry) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery and arrived in Egypt.
Having been appointed Bombardier In Charge of Mechanical Transport in December 1940 he volunteered for Special Duty with G (R) 101 Secret Military Mission to Abyssinia.
After promotion to Sergeant McClure he was posted to Number 2 Operatinal Center in January 1941 and spent a year operating behind Enemy Lines.
Following the fall of Debra Tabor in July 1941 he was involved in forming a Battery of Field Guns and within five days had been able to move the complete Battery approximately 100 Kilometers north to safety!
He finally left the Army on 18th March 1946.
Living most of his life in Donaghadee, William ran the family drapery business and then opened a Travel Agency in Bangor.
He passed away on 4th June 2005 and his ashes were scattered from Donaghadee Lifeboat in Chapel Bay off the Copeland Island.
These photographs show William McClure during his wartime experiences in Ethiopia. (Thanks very much to Nonni Mac for information and pictures)
Donaghadee and the sinking of "Miss Betty"
On 8th May 1943 the Pilot Vessel "Miss Betty" left Bangor at 09.55 to assist a ship entering Belfast Lough.
The "Miss Betty" was owned by The Admiralty and crewed by Harry Aiken of Bow Street, Donaghadee, William George Nelson of East Street, Donaghadee and William White of Mount Street, Donaghadee along with William Anderson of Crosby Street in Bangor.
The crew consisted of Aiken as Deckhand, Nelson Coxwain, White as Pilot and Anderson was the Engineer. The boat had been experiencing heavy seas and finally at 11.30 it was struck broadside by a wave and capsized with the loss of all hands.
Three bodies were recovered in Bangor however the body of William Anderson was washed ashore in Portpatrick and he is remembered on the Bangor War Memorial as shown below.
Donaghadee Orange Hall
Donaghadee Orange Hall was used as a billet by the Army during the war.Various Units passed through including the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
The old red bricked building has now gone however the original stone remains.
Donaghadee Girls with American G.I.'s
Shown here are Donaghadee girls Jean Lock, nee Somers on the left with Mavis Warden, nee Tollerton on the right.
The American Soldiers are Bob Leishman on the left and Frank Kouri to the right.
This photograph was taken in April 1944 and sadly Private Frank Kouri was Killed in Action in Normandy.
Both men seem to appear again in the photograph below with Private Frank Kouri on the right. (Thanks to Julie Maxwell and From Donaghadee an Illustrated History)
David Freeland from Craigavad.
Ballysallagh Anti-Aircraft Battery
The Anti-Aircraft Gun Battery at Ballysallagh consists of two Gun Positions in which all of the Ammunition Storage structures have been removed.
A small shelter can be seen at each position, which would have held one gun, and the concrete base of the control building can still be seen.
The top photograph shows one of the gun positions complete with its shelter.
Above is the concrete base of the Command Building and the second of the two gun positions. - Like the first this has had the Ammunition stores removed and has a similar shelter.
On looking into this shelter you can see that the access ladder has fallen inside.
The aerial photograph below shows the same Anti-Aircraft Gun Position centre right of the photograph (PRONI)
Helens Bay Air Raid Shelter
These pictures show an Air Raid Shelter which is situated in the garden of a house in Helens Bay.
The first picture should give some idea of how deep underground it has been constructed with the second showing a closer view of the entrance and single room behind.
As with virtually all the shelters I have been in the interior has been painted white.
Craigdarragh House, Helens Bay
Craigdarragh House at Helens Bay was used as an Army Camp with a large number of soldiers living in the grounds however the same camp was later used to house Prisoners of War.
Campbell College Scouts Troop Memorial, Crawfordsburn
This small copse and memorial stone was laid to remember members of the Campbell College Scout Troop who were killed during the Second World War and can be found at the Scout Camp at Crawfordsburn Country Park.
Crawfordsburn Air Raid Shelters
Here are three Air Raid Shelters built close together off Ballyrobert Road.
One has had its inside painted white and there may have been a Union Flag painted on the narrow wall. Such shelters were often painted white to provide as much brightness as possible at times of Blackout due to Air raids.
On the right you can see that the shelter is in super condition and interestingly these buildings are the same design as those which can be seen at Ballyvester near Donaghadee.
(Thanks very much to Robin Masefield for bringing these to my attention)
Crawfordsburn House
Beside Crawfordsburn Country Park is what was Crawfordsburn House.
It is now private dwellings however during the Second World War there was a Military Camp in this area with soldiers living in the field beside the old windmill at Old Windmill Road and others, perhaps Officers, residing in the large Crawfordsburn House which is shown here.
Ballyrobert Munitions Factory
This is an interesting example of how the war effort affected everyone.
Tucked away up Coyles Lane at Ballyrobert was a small factory in which shell casings were produced. This was one of a number of small factories in the area which played their part during the war with another factory nearby producing recoil gear for Bofors Guns as well as aircraft components.
This picture shows what remains of the Coyles Land factory.
Mount Stewart Bombing Range Quadrant Tower
On 15th May 1941 Permission was granted by The Ministry of Home Affairs for a Bombing Range on the Eastern Side of Strangford Lough.
There were to be two Quadrant Towers of which this is one whilst the second was to the North of Cunningburn (PRONI HA 60/2/123)
This Bombing Range Quadrant Tower can be found on the shoreline beside Mount Stewart. Some remnants of the original cream and light blue paint remain to be seen.
The tower would have been used to record the success of aircrews involved in Bombing Practice on the range.
There is a small store underneath the steps.
I have a copy of a "Headquarters Flying Training Command Range Index" which identifies this range as "Mount Stewart" with control at Bishops Court. The danger area of the range was 1000 yards and the radio callsign was "Stewart".
The range was only available for daylight use and had a triangular yellow target.
Shown above is a view inside the Tower and there are still traces of the Cream and Light Blue paint which had been used. The wording and measurement is on a concrete section of the building.
Kircubbin
The Royal Air Force Air Operations Block for Ballyhalbert Airfield was located a short distance from the Airfield in the grounds of Tubber Na Carrig House on Tubber Road in Kircubbin.
Sadly that building was demolished some years ago however this building can be seen at the entrance to the field directly opposite and I suspect it may have had a direct connection to the Air Force personel at Tubber Na Carrig House.
Whitechurch, Ballywalter
Carpenter James McNeilly Belshaw was 36 years old when he was killed in the sinking of S.S. Kenbane Head on 5th November 1940.
James was serving in the Merchant Navy and was the Husband of Jane Belshaw, of Ballywalter, Co. Down, Northern Ireland.
S.S. Kenbane Head was loaded with a general cargo at Montreal and Sydney Nova Scotia for Belfast and Dublin. It was part of the 38 ship Convoy HX-84, which departed Halifax, Nova Scotia on 28th October 1940.
On the 5th November, South-East of Cape Farewell the convoy was forced to scatter after being intercepted by the German Pocket Battleship Admiral Scheer.
The Kenbane Head was met by the full force of the Sheer’s guns as the first three rounds from her main armament penetrated the ship’s cargo holds.
This was followed by a second salvo striking the engine room, blowing off the funnel and destroying the gun platform on the stern.
With the ship well ablaze and twenty-four men dead the Kenbane Head, settling by the stern was ordered abandoned and the ship sank. (Info from Merchant Navy.net)
Stoker 1st Class David Cromie, Service Number D/KX 152720, was 19 years old when he died on H.M.S. Abdiel on 10th September 1943.
David was the Son of Albert and Agnes Cromie, of Ballywalter, Co. Down.
HMS Abdiel (M39) HMS Abdiel was an Abdiel-class minelayer that served with the Royal Navy during World War II. She served with the Mediterranean Fleet (1941), Eastern Fleet (1942), Home Fleet (1942–43), and the Mediterranean Fleet (1943). Abdiel was sunk by mines in Italy 's Taranto harbour in 1943.
Sergeant Robert Valentine Ievers, Service Number 1126184, was killed on 30th November 1942.
He was serving with 418 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
This was a combined Intruder and Leaflet Dropping operation code named "Nickle" when the aircraft was lost.
Carryduff Anti-Aircraft Gun Battery
(PRONI)
Shown here are what remains of an Anti-Aircraft Gun Battery which was positioned in Carryduff.
There are the remains of 3 buildings which were part of this Battery used as defence for the City of Belfast. You can find these in Carryduff Park.
(Many thanks to Brian Crothers for bring this to my attention and John Cousins from Carryduff Historical Society for the photographs of the Gun Battery as it looked in the 1950's)
Gibraltarian Evacuee Camp, Cargagh Cutts.
These buildings are what remains of the Gibraltarian Evacuee camp which stood at Cargagh Cutts between Downpatrick and Clough.
The red bricked building is a regular site at these Camps and on this occasion it has been converted to serve as a Summer House.
The picture on the right above is one of 2 Toilet Blocks which remain at the site.
My favourite find here is the wording on the side of one of these toilet blocks that is shown here. The faint word "Girls" has been painted in red and on looking closely you can see "Gib" beside Girls and below this "Home" and possibly "Swiftly" or similar as time has taken its toll.
The two photographs above show Cargagh Camp as it looked (Thanks to Clive Martinez)
Castlewellan Memorial Stone
This Memorial Stone to 141st Armored Signal Company United States Army can be seen at Upper Square, Castlewellan. It is to the left of the building shown here which was the old Courthouse and was used during the war to accommodate 35 Soldiers.
American Army Camp near Leitrim
These pictures show the Kitchen of an American Army Camp which stood near Leitrim.
Dundrum Castle
Company E of 16th Armored Engineer Battalion 1st Armored Division arrived in Dundrum in 1942 and between 10th June 1942 and 28th October 1942 there was also a Headquarters and Headquarters detachment 1st Armored Division Trains.
Fortunately for me soldiers always seem to enjoy leaving their names where they have been and here is another example.
I cannot make out the name however the date is "MAY 23, 1942" with A.E.F. below which I would expect means "American Expeditionary Force"
The picture above shows Dundrum Camp as it looked after the war when it was being used as a Holiday Camp - Dundrum Castle can be seen in the background.
(Thanks to Steve Kerr for this picture)
United States Army, Newtown Road, Rostrevor
Shown on the left is 1st Platoon, Company G of 1st Infantry Division, United States Army marching along Newtown Road, Rostrevor at the end of a three day Exercise in the Mourne Mountains in 1944 with my photograph shows the same scene today. The lower photograph is from a slightly different angle.
(Picture thanks to the Old Warrenpoint Forum and Liam Doyle Newry Videos and Photos)
Wartime Training Accident, Rostrevor - 3rd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment
On 11th July 1941 a Training Exercise involving the 3rd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment was to take place off the Shore Road, Rostrevor which was to be observed by a senior Officer.
A total of 16 men were sitting in a boat approx 75 yards from shore and when the Exercise commenced they were to get into the water of Carlingford Lough and practice going ashore as if in a beach landing.
All the men were wearing full Battledress including Helmets and carrying their Rifles.
The soldiers had been in the boat since 2pm and were cold and damp when the senior Officer arrived two hours later and the Exercise commenced at 4pm.
The boat owner, Danny Tinnelly later commented that “Someone should have realised they were too cramped to go into the water” however in they went on the signal from their Commander and the inevitable happened.
With the soldiers weighted down with uniform and equipment, cold and cramped from the hours sitting in the boat they had no life preservers when they jumped into the deep water.
The first six men were seen to be in difficulties and struggling to get safely to shore but sadly all six were drown.
As these events were being watched by the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel G.C. Cooper, one of the Civilians who were witnessing the disaster from the road ran down onto the beach and asked Lieutenant-Colonel Cooper if he should fetch a Priest (To administer Last Rights) however Cooper shouted “Get that effing civilian off the Beach!”
Danny Tinnelly recovered five of the bodies however it appeared to him that Cooper was more concerned about the recovery of the soldiers rifles that the men who had been killed.
Several days passed and all six victims were still laid out on the floor of the Medical Hall where they had been brought. Each was still wearing his uniform from the day of the tragedy and decomposition was beginning to take place.
This photograph was taken of the scene by a Life Magazine Photographer - As you can see from my photograph above left very little has changed. (Life Magazine Picture)
Finally the six Union Flag draped coffins were transported with full military honours out of Rostrevor on 16th July and onward to Belfast for repatriation back to Britain.
The Soldiers who Gave Their Lives were :-
Corporal Raymond Mort, 23 years.
Lance Corporal Francis Joseph Cannon, 21 years.
Private Haydon Thomas Jones, 21 years.
Private Clive Lamb, 22 years.
Private William Alden Morris, 31 years.
Private Leo Patrick Poole, 37 years.
(Picture above of Sunday World newspaper article is from Old Warrenpoint Forum)
Training Exercise in Rostrevor Area - South Staffordshire Regiment
An Exercise involving a beach landing carried out by 1/6th Battalion, South Staffordshire regiment at Rostrevor on 24th April 1942. (Imperial War Museum Photographs)
United States Press at Great Northern Hotel, Rostrevor
These photographs show a gathering of Press Representatives / Photographers at the old Great Northern Hotel in Rostrevor. (Life Magazine Photographs)
Ballyedmond, Rostrevor
Members of the 10th Infantry Division, U.S. Army were based here from October 1943.
The Unit consisted of 2nd Battalion and 3rd Battalion with Headquarters with Headquarters Company for each along with Companies E,F,G and H of the 2nd Battalion and Companies I,K,L and M of the 3rd Battalion.
The land is now owned by the Ballyedmond Estate and access in not permitted.
John D. McCory of Missouri was an enlisted man in the Missouri National Guard 35th Division mobilized for WW2 in 1942.
He attended Officer Cadet School and later Flight School at Ft. Sill Oklahoma as a Liaison Pilot flying the Piper L-4 Artillery Spotter before being reassigned to the 144th Field Artillery Group with whom he deployed to Northern Ireland with in 1943.
These black and white photographs are from John McCory.
It is pleasing to report that John survived the war flying very dangerous missions in his spotter plane to include the Battle of the Bulge.
In the last week of the War was given credit for finding the King of the Belgians who the Nazi's had incarcerated near Austria.
As a 22 year old Captain by the time of the War's end he was responsible for his groups aircraft as well as other Artillery Battalions spotter planes in an Army Corps.
He was awarded 2 Bronze Stars, a Distinguished Flying Cross and is listed in the Field Artillery "Hall of Fame" at Ft. Sill Oklahoma!
John left the Regular Army after the war but joined the Missouri National Guard and rose to the rank of Colonel before his retirement in 1975.
(Thanks very much to Ann Weber for these photographs and information) - PLEASE DO NOT COPY THESE PHOTOGRAPHS
This picture shows the large number of Nissen Huts which were constructed around the Ballyedmond site. (PRONI)
Ranfurley House, Rostrevor
In 1940 Ranfurley House at Mary Street / Shore Road in Rostrevor was used by 3rd Battalion of the Monmouthshire Regiment.
Soldiers in Rostrevor
This photograph shows Maggie McGivern and Mary Duffin standing outside the old Royal Ulster Constabulary Station in Mary Street, Rostrevor.
They are with British Soldiers who may have been Monmouthshire Regiment based a short distance away.
(Thanks very much to Old Warrenpoint Forum for permission to use this photograph)
This is the Royal Ulster Constabulary (Police) Station which is in the background above. (From Policehistory.com)
Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, Rostrevor
Camouflage netting is being fitted over a Machinery Lorry in a farmyard.
3 Army Workshops, R.E.M.E. based in the Rathfriland area is shown in a Farmyard near Rostervor during an Exercise on 4th December 1942. (IWM Picture)
Rostrevor House
Rostrevor House on Greenpark Road, Rostrevor was used by the United States Army during the Second World War.
2nd Infantry Regiment of 5th Infantry Division were there and there were some Nissen Huts constructed within the grounds.
(Photographs from Bestpropertyservices.com)
U.S. Soldier in Rostrevor
This photograph is described as
"Private First Class John Diehl having a smoke, Rostrevor 25 February 1944"
The photograph was taken my Technician Third Grade Joe Powell, who served as a medic in the 2nd Infantry Division in the European Theater of Operations.
Joe Harold Powell, M.D., was born on 15 February 1916 in Pine, Texas.
He moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1938, before enlisting in the United States Army on 10 April 1942.
The 2nd Infantry Division was sent to the United Kingdom to prepare for Operation Overlord in October 1943.
The division landed on Omaha Beach on 7 June 1944 and continued through France, participating in the Battle of Brest.
In October, the division entered Germany and remained there until May 1945.
It then entered Czechoslovakia before returning to the United States in July.
After the war, Powell earned his M.D. and moved to Mississippi.
He remained there until his death on 22 July 1987 in the city of Bay St. Louis.
This photograph is from a collection of items include a 2nd Infantry Division patch and photographs of Powell’s time in New Orleans, Northern Ireland, England, France, Switzerland, and Germany.
(Thanks very much to the National WW2 Museum, New Orleans)
Second World War Camp at Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor
With a spell of dry weather during July 2018 evidence of a Second World War Camp appeared in Kilbroney Park as referred to in the article you can watch with the link below.
www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-44968061
My photographs below show the same location from ground level. There are some carving in the trees however they are difficult to read as can be seen in my picture below.
The two photographs above may have been taken in Rostrevor. (Thanks very much to Neil Henning)
This picture shows nissen huts at a large Manor House which was being used as Quarters by 2nd Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division.
I believe this is Carrickbawn House however if you have more details then please email me. (Picture from www.med-dept.com)
Lieutenant Dennis Bemister Liddle, Irish Guards, from Rostrevor.
Minerstown Pillbox
I believe the pillbox which is shown here is what was known as a Type 22 Pillbox. It is situated on the eastern side of Tyrella Beach and has a commanding view.
The original door as well as a few of the metal shutters remain. Great example.
St Johns Point Anti-Aircraft Gun Range
This is an interesting position which has been made up of a group of buildings as well as what appears to be a concrete parking area for vehicles beside the small hill on top of which is the Gun Position.
Beside the road has been a red bricked building which has now been converted to a farmer's animal pen.
The concrete lane where vehicles would have parked also shows the bases of two buildings.
There is one singular structure on which have been constructed four separate gun positions. These appear to have been surrounded by a concrete wall of which only 2 complete sections remain at one of the gun positions as can be seen here.
Another photograph shows one of the gun positions with all of the concrete walls broken outwards almost flowerlike.
I am aware of some U.S. Army Personel having used this range. The 898th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion (Automatic Weapons) arrived in Northern Ireland on 19th May 1942 and stayed for a short time before going to Liverpool on 10th December 1942 from where they deployed to North Africa. The U.S. Army 8th Infantry Division also used this facility.
In this final picture St Johns Point Lighthouse in in the background and I hope you can make out all 4 of the gun positions within this structure which was used towards the end of the Second World War for Practice Firing by 18 Royal Artillery.
Above is the envelope of a letter sent to:-
1531874 Gunner Alf B. Sear,
18th Light and heavy Anti-Aircraft Training and Practice Camp,
St John's Point, Killough.
Gunner Alf Sear is shown on the right.
(Thanks very much to Kim Monahan for the information and pictures)
Post Card addressed to Cadet McCoo at Number 64 Hut, St. Johns Point, Killough.
(Thanks to Gary McCoo)
Belgian Soldiers in Seapatrick
Belgian Soldiers were based here in Seapatrick. The Soldiers lived at Kiln Lane and I believe these old buildings may have been used.
The Unit concerned was 4th Infantry Brigade known as "Steenstraete" whose 1st Battalion were based at Union Camp as mentioned above.
The Belgian Army insignia shown here includes the Shamrock illustrating the link with Northern Ireland and the traditional Farm Gate is also shown
(Many thanks to Hugo Cox for the photographs of Belgian Army insignia)
Dromore
On the 6th and 7th August 1940 the Royal Air Force moved its Number 7 Mobile Oxygen Plant and Number 22 Wing Servicing Unit from Aldergrove to Gill Hall in Dromore.
Sadly the building later fell into disrepair and was subsequently demolished.
All that remains is the Stable Block shown above (From Wiki)
Shown below is a Universal Carrier which has been converted by 59 Division Ordnance Workshops at Gill Hall to become amphibious. It appears to be sitting at the steps on the right of the picture above. (IWM Picture)
Shown above are some of the alterations done to the vehicle to make it amphibious and the proof that it works is seen below. (IWM Pictures)
Buried in Dromore
Corporal James Alexander Clokey was serving with Royal Signals Airborne when he died on 24th October 1942.
He was the Son of John and Agnes Clokey.
Fusilier Andrew Copling was Killed in Action during the Luftwaffe Air Raid on Newtownards Airfield. He was serving with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was only 16 years old. See www.ww2ni.webs.com/thenewtownardsairraid.htm for lots more detail
Sergeant Jane Grant Beggs, Number 889112 was serving with the Womens Auxiliary Air Force when she died on 2nd october 1944.
She had been a Cook and was cycling with two other W.A.A.F members at Warkworth when they came to a steep hill approaching a bridge. She asked her friends if she should cycle down with them as her bicycle had no brakes and they said that they would cycle down and wait for her at the bottom of the hill. It appears that Sergeant Grant Beggs decided to freewheel down the hill but lost control, crashed into the bridge wall and fell over the parapet onto rocks below sustaining serious injuries. She subsequently died in Hospital (From North Northumberland At War 1939 - 1945)
Corporal John Mercer Ward is Buried at Dromore 1st Presbyterian Church.
He was serving with Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and was 21 years old when he died on 13th August 1941. He was the Son of Samuel G and Elizabeth M Ward of Dromore.
Sergeant R. Kane from Hillsborough
Two Pipers speaking with Swiss guards in Vatican City, Rome.
Lance Corporal A. Prout on the right from Strathbourne Road, Balham, London and Sergeant R. Kane from 11 Hillside Terrace, Hillsborough, Co. Down.
Photograph taken by Sergeant Radford on 12th June 1944. (Imperial War Museum photograph)
"Magill's Field", Poyntzpass
Company A and Company B of 7 Engineer Combat Battalion, United States Army were based in Magill's Field which is recorded in the "W.B.S. Troop Accommodations Northern Ireland District" List as having a capacity of 362 troops.
I believe that "Magill's Field" was on Blackbridge Road, Poyntzpass however I have been unable to confirm this.
***If you know where Magill's Field is/was then please contact me ww2ni@btinternet.com ***
Holywood "Starfish" Decoy Site 1
This is the Control Shelter for a "Starfish" Decoy site at Creightons Wood near Holywood.
The building is a single room with protected entrance. The photohraphs show the escape hatch in the roof - to which had originally been a metal ladder and to the left of the hatch is the hole where the chimney of a small stove would have gone through.
The idea of such sites was that when there was an Air Raid fires would be lit over an area close to this shelter with the hope that bombs would be dropped here rather than the intended target.
In this case I suspect that the purpose of this site was to protect any planned bombing of Palace Barracks which is only a short distance away and was busy during the war.
Holywood "Starfish" Decoy Site 2
Underneath all this undergrowth is another Shelter at the Creightons Wood Starfish Site.
The outer blast wall has collapsed onto the structure making access difficult.
On looking inside the walls and roof appear to have all been painted white.
When approaching Site 1 take the path to the right and where is starts to bend go into the woods on the left side of the path where you will find this shelter.
(Thanks very much to Aidan Keane for bringing this to my attention and providing the photographs)
Belgian Soldiers at Down Royal Race Course, Maze
The first photograph above shows Belgian soldiers and Nissen Huts at Maze Race Course. - The Belgian Flag is clearly visible in the picture.
Belgian soldiers of 6th Infantry Brigade “Deinze” Provisioning Company arrived at the camp in June 1945 and remained there until the end of November. British, American and Polish soldiers had been there previously however the camp had been vacant for approximately one year before the arrival of the Belgian Soldiers.
Shown directly above are some of the Belgian Army Officers photographed in their camp at the race Course.
Below is a picture taken from the Grandstand showing some Belgian Soldiers as well as their Trucks.
(Thanks very much to Ronny Soetens and Staf Verhoeven for his assistance with this - These photographs are from the Private Collection of Staf Verhoeven and were taken by his father Ludovicus Verhoeven during his service with the Belgian Army)
******These Photographs are From a Private Collection - Please Do Not Copy ******
Shown above is Ludovicus Verhoeven of 6th Infantry Brigade, Belgian Army in Camp at the race Course. He is also shown below on a Horse.
These final photographs show Belgian Soldiers relaxing around Camp.
(Thanks very much to Staf Verhoeven for these photographs which were taken by his father)
Belgian Soldiers in Northern Ireland "Pay Book"
Shown here is a Pay Book which had been issued to Ludovicus Verhoeven of 6th Infantry Brigade, Belgian Army.
It is printed in English because at that time Belgium had been Occupied by the Germans and the Belgian Army was being re-formed in the United Kingdom.
(Thanks very much to Staf Verhoeven for these photographs)
Praise for the Belgian Soldiers from Colonel I.H. Good D.S.O.
"Den Tuub" ("The Tube" - This refers to the shape of the Nissen Huts) was a weekly publication produced by 6th Infantry Brigade of the Belgian Army which was distributed during their stay in Northern Ireland in 1945.
This edition includes a letter of appreciation to the Brigade from Colonel I.H.Good D.S.O. at Headquarters, Northern Ireland District, Lisburn dated November 1945.
(Thanks very much to Hugo Cox)
Maze Pillbox
This Pillbox is at Down Royal Racecourse. It is interesting that as well as the Loopholes for guns there is also one Observation slit which is shown above. It is facing Gravelhill Road and in the general direction of what was Long Kesh.
The entrance has a wall to protect users and the gun positions are pointing towards the Race Course on which there was the Camp shown above.
Maghaberry Village
The War Memorial shown above can be sen in Maghaberry village.
Interestingly the picture on the right is of Royal Marines and the third in line is Corporal Richard Lewis Bashford of Number 6 Commando about whom you can read in the Information People Part 2 Section of this website.
To see lots more about the Airfield at Maghaberry please scroll down www.ww2ni.webs.com/countyantrimairfields.htm
Donaghadee Sea Defences
As with other areas such as Ballyholme and Groomsport the town of Donaghadee has some old broken up WW2 Air Raid Shelters as part of the sea defences.
They can be seen along the shore from the harbour towards The Commons.
In this picture there are some red brick walls with the large concrete sections having been roof.
Having been constructed for the purpose of protecting people from Enemy Bombs the Air Raid Shelters were very sturdy buildings with lots of steel reinforced concrete.
These pictures show some being removed in Belfast with the picture on the right being in Ormeau Avenue. (From Old Belfast photographs)
Donaghcloney
563 Quartermaster Battalion (Colored) 4049 Quartermaster Truck Company of the United States Army were based in Donaghcloney from 1st February until 6th May 1944.
With racial segregation in the U.S. Army at that time these were coloured soldiers.
I do not know the precise location of these Soldiers so if you have information that can help me complete this picture then please contact me!