The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland during the Second World War

Members of the Loyal Orange Institution of Ireland played their part in the Second World War on the front lines, in factories, and raising funds.

The wartime ambulances of the Loyal Orange Institution of Ireland

By

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.

Orange Halls in wartime Northern Ireland

Map showing Bessbrook Orange Hall, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh

Bessbrook Orange Hall, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh

112 Millvale Road, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh

Bessbrook Orange Hall in Co. Armagh was home to US Army troops in 1944 before they embarked on their journey leading to D-Day in Normandy, France.

Map showing Gilford Orange Hall, Gilford, Co. Down

Gilford Orange Hall, Gilford, Co. Down

45 Stramore Road, Gilford, Co. Down

Gilford Orange Hall on Stramore Road, Gilford, Co. Down saw the arrival of an Advance Detachment of 6th Cavalry, US Army in 1943 before the unit's arrival.

Spitfire BL325 at Cordrain Orange Hall

July 12 – known simply as The Twelfth – is an impor­tant date in Ulster. This is the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne which, as you know, established Protestant kings on England’s throne. Celebration of the day is led by the powerful Orange Order, a Protestant political and fraternal organization, and there are parades and demonstrations throughout the six counties. Political feelings run high and clashes between Protestant demonstrators and their Catho­lic fellow-countrymen are not uncommon.

Summing up: Religion is a matter of public as well as private concern in Ulster and you’ll be wise not to talk about it. In America we ask, “Where do you come from?” In Ulster they ask, “What church do you belong to?” If the question is put to you, tell the truth and then change the subject.

A Pocket Guide to Northern Ireland – Issued to the US Army in 1942.

VE Day celebrations in Orange Halls

Featured image for Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Gilford, Co. Down

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Gilford, Co. Down

By

4th May 2020

Crowds gathered for VE Day celebrations in Gilford, Co. Down on the 8th May 1945 and the Belgian Infantry joined in with the burning of an effigy of Hitler.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh

By

7th May 2020

Victory in Europe Day on 8th May 1945 saw locals of Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh mix with an international crowd as they lit a bonfire to mark Allied victory.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Randalstown, Co. Antrim

By

4th May 2020

VE Day celebrations in Randalstown, Co. Antrim saw members of the forces join with youth organisations for a parade before dancing in the local Orange Hall.

Orangemen at War

Some known members of Loyal Orange Lodges in Ulster who served during the Second World War.

Joseph Berry

Joseph Berry

Marine | PO/X 4370

Marine Joseph Berry of Tullylish, Co. Down died on 25th November 1941 when HMS Barham went down in the Mediterranean following a torpedo attack from U-331.

Samuel Pritchard Fox

Gunner | 7009770

Gunner Samuel Pritchard Fox died on 20th March 1942 at the UVF Hospital at Craigavon House, Belfast, Co. Down. He served as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery.

Thomas Gordon

Company Sergeant Major | 7010877

Warrant Officer Class II Thomas Gordon of Strabane, Co. Tyrone died on 23rd June 1944 while serving in 6th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in Italy.

Archibald Grant

Archibald Grant

Bombardier | 1463105

Bombardier Archibald Grant died on 21st February 1942. He was a former player at Linfield Football Club before enlisting in the Territorial Army in 1939.

Bryan Desmond Uprichard Kane

2nd Lieutenant | 235313

2nd Lieutenant Bryan Desmond Uprichard Kane was known as "Mick" when he served with 104th (Essex Yeomanry) Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery during the war.

Denis Dermot Kane

Coproral | 543862

Corporal Denis Dermot Kane died on 3rd November 1939 while serving in the R.A.F. His name is commemorated at the family plot in Belfast City Cemetery.

Nathaniel Knowles

Gunner | 1543844

Gunner Nathaniel Knowles served in the Royal Artillery during World War Two and died as a result of an accident in Norfolk while on active service in 1943.

William Abraham Simpson

Guardsman | 2723525

Guardsman William Abraham Simpson of Lurgan, Co. Armagh was only 20 years old at the time of his death in Belgium on 7th September 1944.

Samuel Edward Smyth

Lance Corporal | 7009692

Lance Corporal Samuel Edward Smyth died on 29th May 1940 as 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles fought in the rearguard of the British Expeditionary Force.