Wartime Life

Featured image for Halloween tricks and treats during the Second World War

Halloween tricks and treats during the Second World War

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31st October 2018

Halloween is celebrated in many countries across the world. During the Second World War, rations and restrictions cast a different light on festivities.

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visit Northern Ireland

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24th June 2019

Between 24th June 1942 and 26th June 1942, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Northern Ireland inspecting British and American military personnel.

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North West 200 Road Races

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7th March 2018

The North West 200 is one of Ulster's largest sporting events having first run on 20th April 1929. What happened to road racing during the Second World War?

The wartime ambulances of the Loyal Orange Institution of Ireland

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1st July 2019

On 1st July 1940, the War Office purchased a pair of motorised ambulances using a £1,000 donation from the Loyal Orange Institution of Ireland in Belfast.

Victory over Japan: V.J. Day celebrations in Antrim, Co. Antrim

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15th August 2019

In the town of Antrim, locals marked V.J. Day or Victory over Japan Day with a bonfire while the celebrations continued into the next day.

Victory over Japan: V.J. Day celebrations in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim

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15th August 2019

Flags of the Allied nations flew from almost every household in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim as the area celebrated V.J. Day on 15th August 1945.

Victory over Japan: V.J. Day celebrations in Bellaghy, Co. Londonderry

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15th August 2019

In Bellaghy, Co. Londonderry, locals marked the passing of V.J. Day or Victory over Japan Day with several days of celebrations and bonfires.

Victory over Japan: V.J. Day Celebrations in Castledawson, Co. Londonderry

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15th August 2019

On 15th August 1945, residents of Castldawson, Co. Londonderry began celebrating V.J. Day or Victory over Japan Day with music and a bonfire.

Victory over Japan: V.J. Day celebrations in Crumlin, Co. Antrim

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15th August 2019

V.J. Day or Victory over Japan Day celebrations began early in Crumlin, Co. Down with locals singing and cheering in the streets of the town.