2nd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment mobilised in September 1939. They formed part of 160th Infantry Brigade along with 1/4th and 1/5th Battalions Welch Regiment. In October 1939, this battalion came to Northern Ireland with 158th Infantry Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division.
By May 1940, 159th Infantry Brigade and 160th Infantry Brigade joined 158th Infantry Brigade in Ulster. After the Dunkirk Evacuation, these brigades began training to repel invasion. However, Operation Green, the proposed invasion of Northern Ireland never took place.
On 20th April 1940, 2nd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment arrived in Ballymena, Co. Antrim. By March 1942, the invasion looked unlikely and 53rd Infantry Division left Northern Ireland for Kent, England. 2nd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment landed in Normandy on 28th June 1944 taking part in the Battle for Caen.
The band of 2nd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment performed at the state opening of parliament on Tuesday 19th December 1939. The Duke and Duchess of Abercorn and various other dignitaries attended the event at Stormont, Belfast, Co. Down. The military band played a selection of music in the Great Hall before the arrival of Their Graces the Duke and Duchess.
Gough Barracks, Armagh, Co. Armagh
On 26th March 1941, a series of photos by Lieutenant J.R. Bainbridge noted the occupants of Gough Barracks, Armagh, Co. Armagh as 2nd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment, 53rd (Welsh) Division under the command of Lieutenant Colonel A.T.A. Browne M.M.
