Belgian Infantry Brigade Headquarters

Headquarters of the Infantry Brigades of the Belgian Army arrived in Northern Ireland in 1945. They set up a base at Kircassock House, Magheralin, Co. Down.

Headquarters and Staff of the Belgian Army arrived in Northern Ireland to begin training between 23rd January 1945 and 4th February 1945. Created on 30th April 1945, they accompanied the first of the Belgian Infantry Brigades to arrive in Ulster.

Headquarters operated from Kircassock House, Magheralin, Co. Armagh. From there, the coordinated logistical, technical, administrative, and operational issues across the 5 Infantry Brigades in Northern Ireland. They also served as a point of contact between the Belgian Army and the United Kingdom Government.

The brigade remained in Northern Ireland until the winter of 1945. Between 22nd November 1945 and 1st December 1945, they left for Britain along with 6th (Deynze) Infantry Brigade. Soon they would return to Belgium and go on to serve in occupied Germany.

Places of Interest

Map showing Kircassock House, Magheralin, Co. Down

Kircassock House, Magheralin, Co. Down

Dromore Road, Magheralin, Co. Down

Kircassock House in Co. Down was a large country house that became home to the 8th U.S.A.A.F. Composite Command in the Second World War.

Map showing Overseas House, Belfast, Co. Antrim

Overseas House, Belfast, Co. Antrim

53 Royal Avenue, Belfast, Co. Antrim

Overseas House in Belfast, Co. Antrim was headquarters of the Overseas League who held a reception for 2 new Infantry Brigades of the Belgian Army in 1945.

Map showing Waringfield Military Hospital, Moira, Co. Down

Waringfield Military Hospital, Moira, Co. Down

Waringfield, Moira, Co. Down

Waringfield Military Hospital in Moira, Co. Down treated many British, American, and Belgian soldiers during World War Two as well as Prisoners of War.

References

BE4046