Ashley Gardens, Bangor, Co. Down

Ashley Gardens, Bangor, Co. Down took a direct hit from a Luftwaffe bomb as the Nazi air force launched the Belfast Blitz on Easter Monday and Tuesday 1941.

Ashley Gardens

Bangor

Co. Down

BT20 5RJ

United Kingdom

Bombs on Bangor

The Grattan family home at 40 Ashley Gardens, Bangor, Co. Down took a hit from a wayward Luftwaffe bomb during the Belfast Blitz. Residents Matilda Lillian Grattan, Shelagh Grattan, and Angeline Grattan died on 16th April 1941.

Reports suggest, 2 other residents of Ashley Gardens died the same night as the Luftwaffe dropped 14 bombs on the Co. Down seaside town.

Yes! We Have No Bananas

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6th May 2022

'Yes! We Have No Bananas' is a series of stories and reminisces of 24 people who experienced life during the Second World War in Northern Ireland.

A second contingent of the United States Army arrives in Northern Ireland

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2nd March 2022

On 2nd March 1942, the second contingent of U.S. Army troops arrived at Belfast Docks in Northern Ireland joining those who arrived some weeks earlier.

Featured image for Oscar, the luckiest cat in wartime Northern Ireland

Oscar, the luckiest cat in wartime Northern Ireland

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5th July 2021

Oscar, a little black and white cat, survived the sinking of Bismarck, H.M.S. Cossack, and H.M.S. Ark Royal before finding fame in a sailors' home in Ulster.

Guardsman Samuel Quigley of 2nd Battalion Irish Guards

Samuel Quigley

Guardsman

Samuel Quigley of Muckamore, Co. Antrim served in 2nd Battalion Irish Guards. He met his wife Freda in unusual circumstances during the Second World War.

Map showing Whitespots Leadmines, Conlig, Co. Down

Whitespots Leadmines, Conlig, Co. Down

The Old Leadmines, Conlig, Co. Down

In April 1941, a total of 70 competitors from the military took part in rigorous off-road motorcycle trials around the old Whitespots Leadmines.

Map showing Conlig, Co. Down during the Second World War

Conlig, Co. Down during the Second World War

Co. Down

During the Second World War, rough terrain motorcycle trials and training exercises took place around the disused leadmines near Conlig, Co. Down.

Bristol Beaufort AW277 crash on Colin Mountain, Co. Antrim

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29th March 2021

At around 0400hrs on 29th March 1943, Bristol Beaufort AW277 came down on Colin Mountain, Co. Antrim killing 4 crew members of No. 5 O.T.U.

Map showing St. Patrick’s Barracks, Ballymena, Co. Antrim

St. Patrick’s Barracks, Ballymena, Co. Antrim

Demesne Avenue, Ballymena, Co. Antrim

From November 1942 - December 1943, the British Army's General Service Corps No. 12 Primary Training Centre was at St. Patrick's Barracks, Ballymena, Co. Antrim.

Map showing Army Salvage Depot, Doagh, Co. Antrim

Army Salvage Depot, Doagh, Co. Antrim

Mill Road, Doagh, Co. Anrim

During the Second World War, the Army Salvage Depot in Doagh, Co. Antrim operated from the site of the railway station that had lain unused since 1930.

Map showing Dunmore Park Barracks, Ashfield Crescent, Belfast

Dunmore Park Barracks, Ashfield Crescent, Belfast

Ashfield Crescent, Belfast

During the Second World War, the Dunmore Park Barracks in North Belfast was a base for Home Defence Battalions of the Royal Ulster Rifles.

Map showing Wartime Lough Neagh

Wartime Lough Neagh

During the Second World War, Lough Neagh was a valuable asset for the military in Northern Ireland who used the waters for training purposes.

Featured image for “Red Army Day” celebrations on the streets of Belfast

“Red Army Day” celebrations on the streets of Belfast

By

20th February 2021

On 20th February 1943, the people of Belfast commemorated "Red Army Day" with a large military parade through the city attended by dignitaries.

References
  1. Bangor Cemetery Project
  2. Bangor Historical Society
  3. The Chronicle Herald

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