During World War Two, Summerisland Camp on the main Dungannon to Portadown road in Co. Armagh saw use by American and Belgian troops. The camp was at Summerisland House and on the surrounding grounds. At one time, the house belonged to the prestigious Shillington family, well known in the area.
On Friday 23rd August 1946, the Belfast Newsletter carried news of an upcoming public auction of the entire Summerisland Camp. The Portadown News featured the information the following day. Auctioneer WR Hanna of College Hill, Armagh, Co. Armagh oversaw the sale. It included.
- 48 standard Nissen Huts (36′ x 18′)
- 1 Nissen Hut (90′ x 76′)
- 1 Nissen Hut (72′ x 24′)
- 1 Nissen Hut (66′ x 24′)
- Asbestos Sheds
- Portable and Sawyer Boilers
- Galvanised Water Tanks
- 2 Mrs. Sam Type 10 Ranges (4′ x 2′)
- Large Ranges
- Heating Plant
- Plywood
- Electric Wire
- Fittings
- Ablution Benches
- Cupboards
- Sinks
- Basins
The Belfast Newsletter on Friday 30th August 1946 reported the Nissen Huts were in perfect condition. The auction took place at 1100hrs on Wednesday 4th September 1946 at the Summerisland Camp. WR Hanna advised prospective buyers that the export of Nissen Huts to the Republic of Ireland was possible without paying duty.
A second auction took place at the camp on the same day beginning at 1400hrs. This sale by order of the Ministry of Supply saw all surplus army stock made available to the public. This included:
- 4 Spring Bedsteads
- 6 Armchairs
- 34 Fold Flat Chairs
- 14 Windsor Chairs
- 6 Close Coir Mats
- 6 Bedside Rugs
- Fenders
- 16 Iron Coal Scuttles
- 70 Small Coal Shovels
- 20 GS Shovels
- 82 Pokers
- 3 Hand Carts
- 8 Iron Trestle Tables
- 3 Occasional Tables
- 58 Wire Letter Trays
- 4 Enamel Basins
- 5 14″ Steel Basins
- 93 Fire Buckets
- 13 Hand Fire Pumps
- 35 13″ Buckets
- 25 Latrine Buckets
- 13 3 Gallon Cans
- 38 33.3 Gallon Wash Tubs
- 25 Barrack Bins
- 6 Steel Galvanised Bins
- Chopping Boards
- Water Boiler with Brass Tap
- 130 Brooms
- 40 Brushes
- 31 Mops
- Kettles
- Dinner Plates
- Frying Pans
- Tea Pots
- Knives
- Forks
- Spoons
- Rubber Hose
- Axes
- Picks
This extensive list of large and small items auctioned from the Summerisland Camp, Loughgall, Co. Armagh gives an idea of the size of this base where both the United States Army and Belgian Infantry based troops in the later years of World War Two.
American Forces
| Start Date | End Date | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 10th April 1944 | US Army 3rd Field Artillery Observation Battalion, Battery A. |
Belgian Forces
| Start Date | End Date | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters Battalion, 5th (Merckem) Infantry Brigade |