Timeline of Events and Battles in the Second World War

The Second World War raged across Europe, Africa, and Asia throughout the years of 1939-1945. The WartimeNI timeline lists some of the major events from the conflict and details their connections to Northern Ireland.

1940

1940 saw the fall of France, meaning that Ulster was within reach of Luftwaffe bombers. Many personnel from Ireland and Northern Ireland saw action fighting in the rear-guard during the evacuation from Dunkirk. Later, the Battle of Britain would dominate the skies.

The Dunkirk Evacuation

Christopher Nolan's 2017 blockbuster told the story of the Dunkirk evacuation to a whole new generation. Many of those evacuated were from Northern Ireland.

The Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain took place from July to October 1940. Airmen and ground crew alike who served in the campaign had connections to Northern Ireland.

1941

April and May 1941 brough war to the skies over Belfast, Co. Antrim as the Luftwaffe attacked the city in what would become known as The Belfast Blitz.

Belfast Blitz

The Belfast Blitz was the name given to a series of devastating aerial attacks on Northern Ireland's capital by the German Luftwaffe in April and May 1941.

1944

The year 1944 was a turning point in the timeline of the Second World War. The Allied invasion of Normandy was a pivotal moment. Much of the planning and training had taken place in Northern Ireland.

Operation Overlord: From Northern Ireland to Normandy

D-Day, 6th June 1944 became a well-known part of Second World War history. Soldiers, airmen, and seamen of Northern Ireland played their part in Normandy.

Operation Market Garden: A Bridge Too Far

Operation Market Garden began on 17th September 1944. On the first day, the tanks of the Irish Guards who made up part of XXX Corps set off for Eindhoven.

1945

As the war in Europe drew to an end, activity in Northern Ireland continued. Thousands of young Belgian men arrived in Ulster to train as the new Belgian Army.

Belgian Army in Northern Ireland

In 1945, as the Second World War drew to an end, elements of a new Belgian Army arrived in Ulster. They reformed and retrained throughout Northern Ireland.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day in Northern Ireland

By Scott Edgar

8th May 2018

At 1500hrs on 8th May 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced an end to hostilities in Europe with Germany. This day would become known as VE Day.

Victory over Japan: V.J. Day in Northern Ireland

By Scott Edgar

15th August 2018

At midnight on 15th August 1945, came the announcement of an end to hostilities with Japan. This day would become known as V.J. Day.