23rd August - WartimeNI

Luftwaffe Junkers shot down over Tramore, Co. Waterford

On 23rd August 1942, a Luftwaffe plane came under attack from R.A.F. Spitfires from Northern Ireland and Wales before coming down in Éire.

Yes! We Have No Bananas

By Scott Edgar

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

By Scott Edgar

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.

Oscar, the luckiest cat in wartime Northern Ireland

By Scott Edgar

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.

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.

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.

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

By Scott Edgar

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“Red Army Day” celebrations on the streets of Belfast

By Scott Edgar

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.

Cargo Tanker arriving in Musgrave Channel — NARA Photograph: 342-FH-3A26321-79794AC. A tanker with a cargo of Republic P-47 Thunderbolts arrives at Airport Wharf, Musgrave Channel, Belfast. Short and Harland Aircraft Factory is shown in the background. Photo taken on 23rd August 1943.

Remembering the Fallen

Edward James Archer

Carpenter's Mate

Carpenter's Mate Edward James Archer of Belfast sailed on H.M.S. Nairana before he died of Tuberculosis in Belfast on 23rd August 1946.