The Second World War in Northern Ireland
The Second World War in Northern Ireland
Ulster Home Guard, Shandon Park
This photograph shows the Men of the Ulster Home Guard who were based at Shandon Park.
Corporal A. Stewart Dudgeon of A Company, 3rd Battalion U.H.G. can be seen in the third row second from the right.
(Thanks very much to Mr. Jeffrey Dudgeon) *****PLEASE DO NOT COPY*****
Ulster Home Guard, Gilnahirk
This selection of photographs shows the men of the Ulster Home Guard based at Gilnahirk.
They are identified at D Company, 2nd Battalion, Ulster Home Guard who were part of 602 Anti-Aircraft Battalion for the protection of Belfast.
I believe these men practiced both marksmanship and the use of grenades in the Castlereagh Hills to the east of Belfast.
Do You Recognise Any of These Men? - If so then please email me at the address shown below.
These photographs are not in the same location as above. Firstly we have some posing and then, below, you can see that the Lieutenant / Captain has pulled rank for use of the Lewis Gun! From the background this appears to be taking place at Ballykinlar.
Weapons Drill. - (These excellent photographs come from the Stephen.Lewins(1,000,000 UP!)'s Flickr Site. - Visit this cracking site for lots of Home Guard related photographs.)
Gilnahirk Secret Wireless Station
During the Second World War there were 3 Full-Time Wireless Listening Stations built around the U.K. including this one near Manns Corner, Gilnahirk.
My colour pictures above show the Station prior to being demolished with the Pump House on the left being the only remaining building connected to the station. Beside the Pump House is the capped well shown here from where the water was filtered and pumped to the radio station.
I am well informed that the first Radio Station at Gilnahirk had direct links to the work of Bletchley Park, The Sinking of the Bismarck and Plan Fortitude. The system was created by a network of 29 steel towers surrounding the complex which were grouped together in various ways to create radio aerials for interception.
I received this Radio Ham Card from Mr Kerr who was one of the secret Listeners. Unfortunately there is no date on the card however it would have been in the early 1970's.
The Station has now been converted into Apartments and it is pleasing to note that the original shape of the building remains - As can be seen below.
The Address is "Gilly Court Manor" which retains the "Gilly" Name and the two plaques shown here can be seen on the entrance pillars.
David Gilmore from Belfast.
David was born on 19th May 1924 and joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
He was serving with 426 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force based at Linton-on-Ouse and was aboard Avro Lancaster II DS-741 with Identification Code OW-T on a mission to attack Frankfurt.
The raid consisted of 27 Lancaster aircraft from 408 and 426 Squadrons along with 73 Halifax aircraft.
The crews were over the target at between 20 - 25,000 Feet and released a mix of 54000 lbs of high explosive along with 408,000 lbs of Incendiaries.
It was reported that bombing was accurate with severe damage caused.
Lancaster II DS-741 failed to return from this mission.
Sergeant David Gilmore along with Flight Lieutenant H. Bow (R.C.A.F.), Pilot Officer C. Hetherington (R.A.F.), Pilot Officer A. Bell (R.C.A.F.), Flight Sergeant Mullally (R.N.Z.A.F.) and Flight Sergeant A. Frith (R.A.F.) were all missing presumed dead.
David's Date of Death is recorded as 23rd March 1944. He has no known grave and is named on the Runnymede Memorial.
He was the Son of John and Margaret Elizabeth Gilmore from Belfast. (Thanks very much to Jim McComish for information and photographs)
Photographs of David Gilmore here are from Jonny Gregory.
Battle of Britain Mural, Beverley Street
This Mural was produced to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
It refers to the Polish Squadrons who were based for a time in Northern Ireland.
Belfast Blitz Mural, Northumberland Street.
The painting below can be seen immediately beside the Battle of Britain one shown above.
Blitz Rubble on the Shore Road
The black and white photograph shows rubble from blitzed properties being dispersed at Shore Road near the junction with Donegal Park Avenue.
The pictures I have taken show the same position with the two bungalows on Shore Road and then the 4 Houses along Donegal Park Avenue which are clearly seen in the background. (Belfast Telegraph photograph)
Flight Sergeant John Lewis Francis Willis Killed in Action
The Taplin Men from Whiteabbey.
V.E. (Victory in Europe) Day Party at Lowwood Park.
"Then and Now" Comparrison photograph of Lowwood Park, Belfast.
Ballynascreen House, Shore Road
Shown below are Blackboards which were used by Belgian Soldiers.
One of the boards shows a Duty Rota "Wacht van 30 op 31-8-1945" and identifies a few Belgian Soldiers, PO Van Rintel, Korp Van Lieu and Sold Van Belle.
Ballynascreen House had been purchased by the Belfast Hospital for Sick Children in 1939 however they did not use the building and sold it after WW2.
Research shows that some of the Belgian names on this Blackboard were members of 3rd Battalion,3rd Infantry Brigade of the Belgian Army.
Do you have any information regarding Belgian Soldiers using Ballynascreen House?
If so then please email me at the address shown below. (Thanks very much to Alan Hazlett for the pictures)
Belfast Men W.F. Neill and H.F. McKernan
The crew of this Lancaster have flown together in training and operations for six months. They have been on five operational sorties. This picture from 1943 shows Lancaster "Y" after their return from a raid on Turin.
Right to left - Sergeant W.F.Neill of Belfast Flight Engineer, he was formerly a fitter in the R.A.F. and has taken part in 15 operations;
Pilot Officer Don West of Fesno California, the Captain who has taken part in six operations.
Flying Officer J. McP Elliott of Glasgow, Bomb Aimer, formerly an Oil Company clerk, has taken part in five operations.
Pilot Officer N. Buggey, Navigator, of Billericay, Essex, formerly a School Teacher, has taken part in six operations. Sergeant H.F. McKernan, Wireless Operator, of Belfast, formerly a labourer who has flown in five operations
Sergeant F.P. Heaton, midupper gunner, of Manchester, who was a decorator and has flown on five operations;
Sergeant J. Edmunds, rear gunner, of Brighton, who was a student and has taken part in five operations. (IWM Picture)
Belfast Harbour Commissioners Building
The Harbour Commissioners Building has a few interesting items on display.
There is the Second World War Roll of Honour listing the names of all the Employees who Volunteered for Active Service during the War as well as the Personal Message of Thanks from Field Marshall Alexander for the actions of M.V. Ulster Prince which had served as a Hospital Ship, Troop Ship and Hospital Carrier.
This painting of H.M.S. Caroline was presented to the Harbour Commissioners.
Dunmurry
Seymour House, which is currently sheltered dwellings operated by B.I.H.A. had a Laundry in the Upper Yard which was used by approximately 100 women and children who had been evacuated from Belfast in 1941 / 1942.
Anti-Aircraft Gun Battery at Finaghy
Munitions Workers examining a Predictor at an Anti-Aircraft Gun Battery at Finaghy. (Belfast Telegraph Photograph)
The picture below seems to have been taken at the same time. This shows a Range Finder. (Northern Ireland Historical Photographical Society)
Military Storage Depot, Finaghy.
The Military Storage Depot shown in this aerial photograph was at Finaghy Road North. (PRONI)
Wilmont House
Situated in the very pleasant surroundings of Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is Wilmont House.
General Sir Alan Brooke is seen meeting Major General Russel P. Hartle at American Headquarters, Wilmont House. (Imperial War Museum Photographs)
General Sir Alan Brooke, Major General Russel P. Hartle and Lieutenant General H.E. Franklyn
Here is General Sir Alan Brooke being driven in a Jeep. (IWM Photograph)
Park Lodge
Belfast Castle
The plaque shown here can be seen in the foyer of Belfast Castle which was used as Headquarters for the Flag Officer Commanding the Royal Navy between 1941 and 1946.
St Peter's Church of Ireland, Antrim Road, Belfast
Shown above is the fantastic "Victory Window" at St Peters Church. My picture below gives a better view of the Service Personel shown across the bottom.
Immediately below the window is the Explaination which is shown above beside the Roll of Honour which gives the names of Parishioners who made The Supreme Sacrifice.
Beside the Window is this list of the names of Parishioners who served during the Second World War.
The window shown to the left is facing the Antrim Road.
It refers to Lieutenant Claude Lowry Handforth, Service Number EC/2305 who was serving with 1st Battalion, 15th Punjab Regiment when he was killed on 17th February 1943.
He was the Son of Claude and Margaret E. Handforth from Belfast and has no known grave.
He was 19 years old and is named on the Rangoon Memorial. (Badge from Wikipedia)
Immediately in front of the window is the notice shown above which refers to the Cross which had been on the spire of St James's Church.
The Cross had survived the Luftwaffe Air Raid of Easter Tuesday 1941 when only the spire of the church remained intact.
Ravenhill Road Air Raid Shelter
This Air Raid Shelter is at the side of the Elim Church on Ravenhill Road.
Billy Lawson from East Belfast.
William John Lawson was from Maymount Street in East Belfast and joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve when he was 18 years old in 1942.
He served throughout India, Ceylon and Singapore before finally leaving Port Suez in 1946 and staying in the R.A.F. for another two years.
(Thanks very much to Heather Lawson for information and photographs)
His Service Book is shown above and below is a Certificate to show that he crossed the Equator on 9th August 1943.
The final two photographs below show a list of personal details of men who he served with and on the right a list of places where he found himself during the war.
Mount Charles
This is Numbers 18 - 20 Mount Charles only a short walk from Queens University.
Helen Lewis, Holocause Survivor, The Crescent
Helen Lewis was born in Trutnov, Czechoslovakia in 1916.
Czechoslovakia was invaded by the Germans on 15th March 1939 and a few years later in August 1942 she was taken to the Terezin Concentration Camp before being sent to Auschwitz in 1944. Fortunately for Helen and many others she was alive when Auschwitz was liberated.
Having visited both I am able to show photographs of first Terezin and then Auschwitz.
Above is the main entrance to Terezin Camp with the second picture showing an inner Courtyard.
Below is one of the Rooms where prisoners were kept and, as with other Camps, Terezin had its own Mortuary and Crematorium as shown below.
Having survived Terezin Helen found herself in Auschwitz
This first photograph is at the infamous "Selection Ramp" which is on the left of the picture. The view is looking back towards the entrance into Auschwitz Birkenau.
Here is one of the grim Accommodation Blocks and on the right is the electrified fence which means certain death for anyone who touches it. My final photograph below is of one of the Gas Chambers which was blown-up prior to the liberation by Russian Soldiers.
Emma Sylvia Duffin V.A.D. Commandant, University Square
This Blue Plaque can be seen at 29 University Square which became home to Emma Duffin.
Emma had been a Nurse with a Voluntary Aid Detachment during the First World War and throughout this time she wrote journals regarding what she was doing and seeing.
She had initially been in Egypt tending wounded from the Gallipoli battle before transferring to Military Hospitals in Le Havre and Calais.
With the beginning of the Second World War Emma was appointed Commandant of the Voluntary Aid Detachment Nurses who were based at Stranmillis Military Hospital.
Once again she retained a detailed Journal including information relating to the Easter Tuesday Blitz on Belfast.
At one stage she refers to being at St Georges Market which was being used to store dead bodies in the hope that they could be identified by Next of Kin.
“I had seen many dead (in WWI), but they had died in hospital beds, their eyes had been reverently closed, their hands crossed on their breasts; death had been glossed over, made decent. Here it was grotesque, repulsive, horrible. Death should be dignified, peaceful. Hitler had made even death grotesque.”
(For more please visit http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/belfast-blue-plaque-honour-for-nurse-who-kept-diaries-in-both-world-wars-1-7853045)
American Soldiers in Cromwell Road
This is Corporal Charley Lane, from Fort Worth Texas, standing in Cromwell Road, Belfast. Note that there is an Air Raid Shelter immediately behind him.
Standing outside number 24 Cromwell Road is Private First Class Arthur Beck.
These photographs were taken in March 1944 and appear in the book "Pardon Me Boy".
Ulster Hospital at Templemore Avenue, Glenmore Street
Bomb damage sustained by the Ulster Hospital along with my photograph of the site as seen from Glenmore Street. (Belfast Telegraph Photographs)
Ulster Home Guard on Parade along Ormeau Road
Havelock House, Ormeau Road
(Origin unknown)
Havelock House was built as part of a hemstitching warehouse in the late 1800s and during the Second World War the building was converted to sleeping accommodation for troops.
Ulster Television acquired the building for £17,000 and opened a studio in 1959. (Information from Futurebelfast.com)
Robert McWilliams from Sandy Row, Belfast.
Serjeant Robert Bowers McWilliams, Service Number 7013179, was serving with 6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
He was born at 7 Gay Street, Sandy Row, Belfast and had joined the Army on 2nd February 1937.
Robert was initially with Royal Ulster Rifles before being transferred to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
He married Elizabeth Miller in St Patricks Church, Ballymena on 16th November 1940.
Serjeant McWilliams died on 30th March 1944 and is buried in the Cassino War Cemetery. (Thanks very much to Anne harper for information and pictures)
United States Army Salvage Establishment
This old Factory between Rydalmere Street and Empire Street off the Donegal Road was used by the U.S. Army as a "Salvage Establishment" from 12th June 1942.
The Blue sign is an old Fire Hydrant Plate to advise Fire Fighters that there is a Fire Hydrant to which they can attach their hoses within the distance shown.
Also carved in the brickwork is "J.B. 1939" - Dating from before the Americans arrived.
Telegraphist William James Millar from Roden Street, Belfast
(Thankjs very much to Glenn Miller for all this excellent information)
Firewatchers Killed in Tragic Accident at Connaught Street
The four Firewatchers listed here were discovered on the 2nd December 1942 in the Firewatchers Room at Redmond and Sons Packing Case makers in Connaught Street, Belfast.
It was reported at the time that they had been overcome by an escape of Gas from a defective pipe.
Civilian James Campbell Aged 19. Firewatcher.
James was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Campbell, of 44 Norfolk Drive.
Died at Redmond's, Roden Street.
Civilian William John Dowling. Aged 49. Firewatcher.
William lived at103 Donegal Avenue, Donegal Road.
He was the Son of William John Dowling, of 137 Hunter Street, and of the late Harriet Elizabeth Dowling and Husband of the late Sarah Jane Dowling.
Died at Redmond and Sons, Connaught Street.
Civilian George Leslie, Aged 37, Firewatcher.
George was the Son of the late Alex and Hanna J. Leslie, of 59 Westmoreland Street and Husband of Annie Leslie, of 66 Olympia Drive.
Injured at Milner Street; died same day at Royal Victoria Hospital.
Civilian Alexander Watson. Aged 65. Firewatcher.
He lived at 11 Coolderry Street and was the Husband of the late Mary Watson.
Died at Redmond and Sons, Connaught Street. (Google Aerial Picture of area of scene)
"Wings For Victory" High Street
Here are Royal Air Force Short Stirling and Handley-Page Halifax Bombers in High Street, Belfast during "Wings For Victory" week in 1943. (I.W.M. Photo)
Article and photograph above is from Northern Whig Newspaper.
Royal Ulster Rifles on Parade in High Street.
This part of Belfast changed considerably since the first picture was taken in 1942.
The Albert Clock is behind the flowers in the second picture. (From Snapshots of Belfast)
Officers Club, High Street, Belfast
Shown here is the Officers Club which was situated at 69 High Street, Belfast along with a Membership Card.
This building can be seen in the centre background of the photograph above. It has since been demolished. (Thanks very much to Alan Freeburn for details)
Second Lieutenant William J. Brunsman, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army
(Thanks very much to Greg Brunsman for the information and photographs shown above)
American Red Cross in Belfast
The American Red Cross had a number of Premises around the City of Belfast.
The Kensington Hotel at 22 College Street and The Union Hotel at Donegal Square South were both for Officers Only.
There was another premises at 14 James Street South as well as what are referred to as Ancilliary Dormitories at 1 Donegal Square South and 33/35 Linenhall Street.
(Picture from Carolyn Jones)
A.T.S. Soldiers leaving St Malachy's Chapel, Alfred Street
This photograph shows Auxiliary Territorial Service soldiers leaving St Malachy's after a Service in 1943 with my photograph showing the same location today.
(Old photograph from "Snapshots of Belfast")
Far East Veterans on Parade at Belfast City Hall
Dated 1945 this photograph shows Soldiers who had served in the Far Eastern Campaign marching past Belfast City Hall.
Robinson and Cleavers Shop Exhibition
This Exhibition of official War Office Photographs took place in Robinson and Cleavers Shop in Donegal Place, Belfast. (Imperial War Museum Photographs)
The exhibition was opened by General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland, Lieutenant General H.E. Franklyn on 26th February 1942.
Private Howard Murdock of Teutonic Street, Belfast.
Howard Augustus Murdock was born in January 1919 and enlisted in the Army on 3rd October 1939.
He served with Royal Engineers as well as the Royal Pioneer Corps and was in France with the British Expeditionary Force when he was captured and became a Prisoner of War on 21st May 1940.
Howard found himself in Stalag VIII A. E. 12401 at Görlitz approximately 50 miles east of Dresden. He was finally liberated on 25th May 1945. (Thanks very much to Paul Patton)
Anderson & McAuley Air Raid Shelter
This picture shows an Entrance to an Air Raid Shelter in the Basement of the Anderson & McAuley Shop in Central Belfast. (Photograph from "Snapshots of Belfast")
Incident in Granville Dance Hall, 185 Donegal Street
The black door is access to the Dance Hall and still has an old 185 number on the top left. The next picture shows the Dance Hall and the dates on top of the building show it was built in the 1930's
Large Army Billet in Donegal Street
This considerable building has the address of 138 - 140 Donegal Street and had been Marshes Biscuit Factory but during the war it was identified by "W.B.S. Troop Allocations Northern Ireland District" to house 630 Troops.
Belfast Blitz Memorial, Hogarth Street.
This excellent Mural relates to the Belfast Blitz and can be seen in Hogarth Street in the Tiger's Bay area of North Belfast.
The Memorial beside the Mural is shown here and lists the names of the people of the Tiger's Bay area who lost their lives on the night of 16th / 17th April 1941.
The names include three families, each consisting of EIGHT people who were killed.
The ages of the Wilson family victims were 1, 3, 6, 7 (Twins), 32, 37 and 72.
Percy Street Murals
On the night of 15th / 16th April 1941 the Germans carried out a Major Air Raid on Belfast. A large number of people had taken shelter in an Air Raid Shelter in Percy Street and sadly it was hit by a bomb causing the roof to collapse killing many of those who were inside.
Hightown Starfish Decoy Sites 1 and 2
This is a very interesting site as it has not the usual one but two Bunkers built in close proximity into the side of the hill.
The building consists of one room with an escape hatch to which there would have been a metal ladder which has since been removed. The entrance is a wooden door within protected access including the blast wall across the front as can be seen here.
Site 2 is slightly different in shape to the previous one in that this site has been built sideways into the hill.
The blast wall which covered the entrance has fallen over showing access to the single room.
Site 1 is shown both above and below left with site two below right.
White Mountain Quarry
853rd Quarrying Company, Royal Engineers involved in Quarry Work at White Mountain Quarry. (IWM Pictures)
An American Billdozer is being used to move topsoil then the rockbreaking takes place.
A pneumatic drifter is making shot holes in the top of the rock in the picture above left.with the picture below showing the stone being sorted in the Stone Mill (IWM Pictures)
Knockbreda Cemetery
A number of Servicemen are buried in Knockbreda Cemetery. Only a few are shown here.
Sergeant Flight Engineer Thomas Lynass Dickie was serving with 196 Squadron, R.A.F. and was on a Bombing Mission to Kassel in Sterling Bomber EF464.
The aircraft was attacked by Night Fighters resulting in Engine Damage and it subsequently crashed in Norfolk.
Sergeant Flight Engineer James Alexander Peel was serving with 97 Squadron R.A.F. and was on a mission to Berlin in Lancaster 1 W4175.
The aircraft was airborne at 2151 on 29th March from Woodhall Spa but later crashed at 0445 on 30th March at Conningsby.
Sergeant Pilot Sydney Ireland was serving with 610 Squadron, Royal Air Force.
His Spitfire P9502 lost control in a dive during Dogfight Practice and he crashed at Titsey Park
There was a collision with a Mosquito aircraft from 333 Norwegian Squadron which was being piloted by Lt Commander Ofendor who was Officer In Charge of the Squadron.
This Cemetery also holds some of the Civilians who were killed during the "Blitz" and here is the final resting place of Ralf Long, who was an Air Raid Warden along with his Wife Margaret Jane and sons Robert and Albert. All of this family died at 175 Cliftonpark Avenue, Belfast.
Sergeant Harold Christopher Moorby was serving with 502 Squadron R.A.F. and was one of the first fatalities to be suffered by the Squadron when on 19th January 1940 he was aboard Avro Anson N5050/B which was being flown by Flying Officer Garrett.
The aircraft crashed on the foreshore four miles east of Rhyl when Flying Officer Gattett lost control in a snowstorm.
Sergeant Moorby died instantly with the three other Crew members being injured - McClure and Beattie later died of their injuries.
2nd Lieutenant William Laurence Megaw was serving with Somerset Light Infantry attached to the 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
He died on 18th February 1943 and is named on the Rangoon Memorial in Burma.
Sergeant (Pilot) Robert Charles Hanna, Service Number 816023, was 23 years old when he died on 3rd September 1940.
He was Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force) and was flying Bristol Blenheim IV, N3529 of No 254 Squadron when it crashed near Dyce after colliding with N3608 of the same unit.
Robert was the Son of Robert and Mary Hanna, of Belfast and his Funeral is shown here. (Thanks very much to Joshua Jordan and Joan Fox)
Newtownbreeda Village showing Air Raid Shelters
This is Newtownbreda Village as it looked in 1944 complete with Air raid Shelters. (From Belfast Telegraph. National Musuems Northern Ireland)
Sadie Bunting hands out wallets of cash which she organised from collections in the Newtownbreda area to give to local Servicemen at the end of the war.
(Thanks to Stevie Kerr)
Carnmoney Hill
There was a "Starfish" Bombing Decoy site positioned at the top of Rock View Lane. From Prince Charles Way the Crews went onto Glebe Road then first right to the top of the lane.
The purpose of this site was to have fires deliberately lit in an attempt to confuse enemy Bomber Crews into believing that this was their target rather than the built up city of Belfast.
"The Defence of Britain" Project overlay on Google Earth identifies a building at the end of Rock View Land as being the Control Bunker.
Houston Park and Orangefield Military Hospital
The two photographs above show Houston Park, Belfast is it looked in 1941 and as it looks now.
In the first picture you can see a row of Oil Burners along the left side of the road - These were used to burn Oil so that a Smoke Screen was formed in an attempt to disrupt German Bombers.
The close proximity of Orangefield School is probably relevant as this was used as a Military Hospital during the war. - The lower picture shows the old Orangefield House. (From PRONI)
Two German Prisoners of War who Died at Orangefield Military Hospital were buried at Belfast City Cemtery
Ober-Maat Rudolf Schwartz had served with the Kriegsmarine. His Prisoner of War Number was A939273.
He was 53 years old when he died and was interred on 1st June 1945.
Obergefreiter Friedrich Selbach was in the German Army and from Bonn. He was 38 years old when he died and was buried on 28th July 1945.
Both of these men were subsequently exhumed in July 1962 and re-buried at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire,England.
Musgrave Park Hospital
This is part of Musgrave Park Hospital in South Belfast which was taken over on 21st May 1942 by 5th General Hospital, U.S. Army. - It had previously been operated by the 31st British General Hospital who had moved into the building which had been "Balmoral Protestant Male Industrial School".
This photograph shows Musgrave Park Hospital as it looked in 1943. (From Images and Memories of Old Northern Ireland Pre 2000)
This post war photograph shows the red roofed Nissen Huts which used to be at Musgrave Park Hospital.
(PRONI Picture)
Shown on the left is Colonel Thomas Lanman, Chief of Surgery, 5th General Hospital with Colonel Angus Hedley-White who was Commanding Officer of the British 31st General Hospital. They are shown walking in the grounds of Musgrave Park Hospital.
To the right is The Fifth General Hospital in Belfast during 1942.
First row, left to right: Saxon, Kendall, Badger, Keeler, Matron Major Sinclair, Lanman and Zollinger.
Second Row: Strock, Emerson, Brewster, White, Dunphy, Pratt, Wenzel and Quigley.
Third Row: Simeone, Saunders, Baldwin, Hazard, May, Smedal, unidentified, Cavanaugh, Freedman. Fourth Row: Hill, Burchenal, Cogdell, Dimmler, Light and Carney.
Top: Tanner. Warren. (From the Ulster Medical Society Journal 14th July 2005)
Above are Elliott Carr Cutler with Major Robert M Zollinger and Major J Engelbert Dunphy at Musgrave Park Hospital in 1942.
To the right is a letter dated 12th December 1942 stating that Major Robert Zollinger had been appointed to the British Medical Research Council War Wounds Committee.
It is interesting to note that the address on this letter gives the Army P.O. number.
( From the Ulster Medical Society "American Surgeons at Musgrave Park Hospital in World War II: Surgical Giants" by John Hedley-Whyte, Debra R. Milamed Accepted: 18th October 2015 )
Military Opthalmic Centre at Musgrave Hospital.
This picture shows the Minor Operating Theatre at 31 (London) General Hospital, Musgrave Park, Balmoral. (IWM Picture)
Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast
Two aerial photographs showing the large number of Nissen Huts which were constructed at Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast (PRONI)
Prisoner Of War Camp - Knock
St Georges Market - Temporary Mortuary
Royal Belfast Academical Institution
Barrage Balloon at the front of RBAI
Major General Lord Bridgeman Inspecting Royal Belfast Academical Institution Company, Cadet Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles on 25th October 1943.
He is accompanied by J.H. Grummit, Headmaster of the School. (IWM Pictures)
James Craig, 1st Viscount Craigavon watches a demonstration by a decontamination squad of the St John's Ambulance Corps of the ARP in the INST grounds, Belfast on 24th May 1938. Air Raid Shelters are seen in the picture below. (Origin unknown)
This photograph shows Great Victoria Street looking towards College Square East which can be seen to the right of the U.S. Military Jeep in the photograph. (N.M.N.I. Picture)
War Memorial, City Way off Sandy Row.
An impressive memorial to various conflicts. This can be found at City Way, off Sandy Row, Belfast.
Ulster Home Guard, Gallaghers Factory
H Company, 5th Belfast battalion, Ulster Home Guard who were from Gallaghers Factory. (Thanks very much to Heather Moore)
Gallaghers Factory Air Raid Shelters
Outside and Inside the Gallaghers Factory Air Raid Shelter.
Barrage Balloon Headquarters
Behind this wall at Ormeau Park, Ravenhill Road was a Barrage Balloon Headquarters.
Shown above left is a Barrage Balloon anchored in the grounds of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution at College Square East in central Belfast. My photograph to the right shows the same location as it looks now.
Here is an article from "The War Illustrated" dated 1st November 1940 which illustrates how such a Barrage balloon in operated. (The War Illustrated)
Not all Barrage Balloons were land based as can be seen here. This Balloon is attached to a Boat in Belfast Lough. ( Thanks very much to Maureen Walker Ross)
Grove Park Anti-Aircraft Gun Position
The Anti-Aircraft Guns which were positioned in Grove Park were described as being "Built on a cliff edge on the southern side of the park"
The markings on the ground in that area are shown here where they look towards York Road and the Harbour Estate.
My suspicion is that here is where the guns were located.
A.T.S. in Henry Place.
Shown below are A.T.S. marching along Henry Place from Victoria Barracks. My picture shows the same location today.
Funeral of Sergeant Harold Moorby, Diamond Gardens, Finaghy
The two black and white photographs below show the Funeral of Sergeant Harold Christopher Moorby, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, making it's way along Diamond Gardens, Finaghy.
Sergeant Moorby had been a crew member on board R.A.F. Anson N5050 which had taken off from Hooton Park Airfield in Cheshire, England on 19th January 1940 to carry out Convoy Escort Duties.
There was a Snow Storm and control of the Aircraft was lost. It crashed at Rhyl on the Northeast coast of Wales.
All the 4 Crew members were killed with two being buried in Scotland while Leading Aircraftsman Thomas Christopher McClure, who was also from Belfast, is buried in Belfast City Cemetery. (Pictures from "Snapshots of Belfast")
Cliftonville Integrated Primary School
On the Cliftonville Road was opened in October 1938 as the Boys Model School.
During the Easter Tuesday 1941 Air Raid the A.R.P. Post at Cliftonville Avenue suffered major damage when the walls collapsed.
A temporary A.R.P. Post was then set up in Boys Model School
The American Red Cross Club, Chichester Street.
The American Red Cross Club was in what was known as The Plaza Ballroom in Chichester Street in Belfast City Centre.
The old building has been demolished but the one which has replaced it is now known as the Plaza Building.
(Pictures below are from the Book "From Belfast Lough To D-Day" and Memory Lane Ards and Bangor website.) Click on http://www.ardsbangor.com/Index_Dancehalls.htm for more details.
The Plaza Ballroom as it looked in later years. (From National Museums Northern Ireland)
Below is the 168th Infantry Swing Band of the United States Army playing for British and American Troops in June 1942. (From the book "Home Away From Home)
On the right is the Cartoon painted by Dick Wingert in the American Red Cross Club in Belfast.
(This picture is from Life Magazine and more information and pictures can be seen in Life Magazine dated 8th February 1943)
The Dancing in the American Red Cross Club at the Plaza Ballroom is from "After The Battle" Magazine.
American Servicemen are shown teaching Northern Ireland girls "The Conga" in 1942. (Rex Photograph) - Plaza as it looked in 1980 is shown above (Origin Unknown)
It is important to note that this building was also used by the British Navy, Army and Air Force Institute (N.A.A.F.I.)
The Four Hundred Club, Chichester Street, Belfast
(Thanks very much to Will Lindsay for the photographs shown above)