Wartime Co. Armagh

Co. Armagh was a hive of activity in the Second World War. Thousands of American GIs passed through the Orchard County from bases such as Brownlow House.

County Armagh

Northern Ireland

The "Orchard County" of Co. Armagh takes its name from the old town name of Ard Macha, the Irish word for Macha's Height, referring to an ancient King in the area of Navan Fort. Covering an area of around 1,326 square kilometres, it shares borders with Co. Down to the east and Co. Tyrone to the north-west.

During the Second World War, troops made use of the rugged landscape, including Carrigatuke, Lislea, Camlough Mountains, and Slieve Gullion. British and Belgian troops passed through Co. Armagh during wartime while the United States Military operated a large Headquarters from Brownlow House.

Places of Interest

The following places will be of interest to anyone wishing to explore more of the area's Second World War heritage.

Acton, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

Places such as Acton saw a great transformation in the Second World War with the arrival of troops from Britain, the United States of America. and Belgium.

Ahorey, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

The Second World War in Ahorey, Co. Armagh brought a visit from troops from the United States Army who attended a church service in the rural village.

Armagh City, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

The city of Armagh, Co. Armagh hosted American GIs during the Second World War and The Mall provided a venue for one of General Patton’s famous speeches.

Bessbrook, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

The rural village of Bessbrook, Co. Armagh welcomed U.S. Army troops during the Second World War including many black soldiers in segregated battalions.

Blackwatertown, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

The Second World War in Blackwatertown, Co. Armagh brought troops from the United States of America and Belgium to the banks of the River Blackwater.

Charlemont, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

During the Second World War, Charlemont on the Co. Armagh banks of the River Blackwater was the site of a Government-run potato factory.

Clare, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

Many from Clare, Co. Armagh who served in the Second World War attended the Presbyterian Church where a plaque commemorates William Alexander Thompson.

Clonmore, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

During the Second World War, elements of the British Army used the peatlands around Clonmore, Co. Armagh to train in preparation for battle.

Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

The village of Crossmaglen in Co. Armagh has a population of around 1,500. In the Second World War, it was the site of Urcher Hill Chain Home Radar Station.

Keady, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

Keady is a town in Co. Armagh near Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland. American GIs had bases in the area during the Second World War.

Loughgall, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

Loughgall is a small village in rural Co. Armagh. The population is less than 300 but in 1944, during the Second World War, American GIs made a home there.

Markethill, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

In the rural village of Markethill, Co. Armagh, the Second World War brought high profile Royal visitors, US Army troops, and even German Prisoners of War.

Portadown, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

Throughout the Second World War in Portadown, Co. Armagh, locals became used to the sight of British, American, and Belgian troops and even German POWs.

Tandragee, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

World War Two in Tandragee, Co. Armagh brought tanks and Jeeps of the United States Army to the rural town while an RAF Spitfire crashed in the countryside.

Tynan, Co. Armagh during the Second World War

Co. Armagh

During the Second World War, the small village of Tynan, Co. Armagh welcomed Belgian forces and GIs of the United States Army's 34th Infantry Division.

References

Wikipedia