The YMCA Canteen, Ballymena, Co. Antrim was popular with service personnel based in the area throughout World War Two. Over the course of the war, Ballymena played host to British, American, and Belgian troops.
In May 1945, soldiers of 2nd (Yser) Infantry Brigade of the Belgian Army presented a plaque to the owners of the YMCA Canteen, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. It reads:
As a mark of thankfulness for the so kind reception given to the Belgian Forces of the 2nd Infantry Brigade. Yser. Given by the members of RASC/Coy May 1945″.
Locals rescued this commemorative plaque from the Wellington Street building before its demolition.