The Second World War began in September 1939. Men and women with connections to Northern Ireland served throughout the duration until 1945.
1st September
1st September 1939 saw the beginning of the blackout across the United Kingdom, while in Northern Ireland, the Royal Ulster Rifles mobilised.
2nd September
On 2nd September throughout the Second World War, Northern Ireland bore witness to medal presentations, aviation accidents, and much more.
3rd September
On 3rd September 1939, Britain declared war on Germany. Within hours, U-30 sank S.S. Athenia in the Atlantic killing 117 passengers and crew.
4th September
On 4th September 1939, Ian Edward Maitland Borley, a resident of Co. Armagh, became one of the first casualties of the Second World War.
5th September
On 5th September 1943, Sergeant Sadowski of R.A.F. 315 Squadron crashed his Mark V Supermarine Spitfire at Ballyhalbert Airfield, Co. Down.
6th September
Throughout wartime, many personnel from Northern Ireland died on 6th September between 1939 and 1945 including many airmen serving in the Royal Air Force.
7th September
On 7th September 1940, U.S.S. Block Island made its second and last visit to Belfast, unloading a cargo of fighter planes at Airport Wharf, Sydenham.
8th September
On 8th September 1942, United States Army Air Force Composite Command took control of Long Kesh Airfield, near the village of Maze, Co. Down.
9th September
On 9th September 1941, 4th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment carried out a tactical training exercise crossing the River Maine, Co. Antrim.
10th September
Gibraltar National Day falls on 10th September. Towards the end of the Second World War, evacuees from "The Rock" came to Northern Ireland.
11th September
On 11th September 1942, 9th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment carried out training exercises including a river crossing in Co. Antrim.
12th September
H.M.T. Laconia went down off the west coast of Africa with the loss of over 1,000 civilians, military personnel, and Italian Prisoners of War.
13th September
13th September is a memorable date in wartime history in Northern Ireland from the first bombs of 1940 to Monty's celebratory arrival in Ulster in 1945.
14th September
Remembering those with connections to Northern Ireland who died on 14th September during the years of the Second World War from 1939-1945.
15th September
15th September marks Battle of Britain Day. We remember those with connections to Northern Ireland who made up part of the Royal Air Force's squadrons.
16th September
Remembering those with connections to Northern Ireland who died on 16th September as far afield as Normandy, Italy, North Africa, and Burma.
17th September
17th September 1944 saw the launch of the ill-fated Operation Market Garden. That morning, the Irish Guards' tanks set off on their push towards Eindhoven.
18th September
The second day of Operation Market Garden on 18th September 1944 saw more Ulster casualties including "Fighting Sid" from Shankill, Belfast.
19th September
The third day of Operation Market Garden on 19th September 1944 saw more Ulster casualties including Co. Londonderry born Guardsman William John McKibbin.
20th September
On 20th September 1942, Supermarine Spitfire R6992 from RAF Aldergrove, Co. Antrim crashed on the south side of the Irish border at Figullar, Co. Monaghan.
21st September
21st September 1944 was the fifth day of Operation Market Garden and saw yet more Ulster casualties in land and airborne divisions as fighting continued.
22nd September
On 22nd September 1942, R.A.F. 41 Squadron arrived at Eglinton Airfield, Co. Londonderry with their Mark VB Supermarine Spitfires.
23rd September
On 23rd September 1941, a lengthy discussion took place at Parliament Buildings, Stormont on how best to prepare for future air raids.
24th September
On 24th September 1941, Lieutenant J.R. Bainbridge photographed members of the A.T.S. at a gun battery and soldiers training in Co. Armagh.
25th September
25th September 1944 was a dark day in the village of Killycolpy, Co. Tyrone as locals learned of the assault and murder of a young girl.
26th September
On 26th September 1943, a Battle of Britain Commemoration Parade took place in Belfast, in front of Senior Officers of the main services.
27th September
Remembering those with connections to Northern Ireland and Ulster who died on 27th September during the years of the Second World War.
28th September
Remembering those with connections to Ulster and Northern Ireland who died on 28th September throughout the years of the Second World War.
29th September
On 29th September 1944, the Belfast Weekly Telegraph reported on an evening of entertainment for locals led by Gibraltarian evacuees in a Co. Antrim camp.
30th September
On 30th September 1940, Lockheed Hudson T9326 crashed after take off from R.A.F. Aldergove, Co. Antrim on a patrol with R.A.F. 224 Squadron.
