VE / VJ Day 50th Anniversary
A Look Back at the Military Presence in and around Banbridge during World War 11
(By John Quinn)
To say that N. Ireland was one vast training camp during World War H would not by any means be an exaggeration. For both British and American troops the Province's terrain provided natural training grounds; from the Mournes in Co. Down, to Divis around Belfast, from the hills and Glens of Antrim, to the Sperrins in Co. Derry, manoeuvres and mock battle fights erupted across N. Ireland Not only the mountains and hills, but our villages and narrow country roads provided the ideal "battle conditions" for what lay ahead in various campaigns in Italy, France and Germany. But these "battle games" were to have a serious outcome; the first wave of Americans to come to N. Ireland, took part in "Operation Torch", the Allied Invasion of North Africa, and would end up in Italy.
The North Irish Horse , a Territorial Army Armoured Regiment, put their "tank training" in the Mournes to good use, when they achieved a feat by taking "Longstop Hill" in Tunisia. They later fought in Italy, and won a Canadian Battle honour at Monte Cassino. The second wave of Americans who trained in N. Ireland, took part in the D. Day landings, and many of the British troops were part of the British 2nd Army who fought through, and liberated Belgium and Holland.
The British
As far as Banbridge was concerned Army "occupation" began almost at once. One of the first was the British 1st Battalion of the Rifle Brigade. They were billeted in and around Banbridge, after the outbreak of war in September 1939. One known location was "The Old Brewery" in the town. The exploits of the Brigade who left Banbridge in December 1939 for a transit camp in England, is recorded in the book "The Flames of Calais", by the late Airey Neave, highlighting the Brigade's actions in the turmoil of France in 1940. Many Regiments would come and go in and around Banbridge throughout the war, most notable in local memories being the Liverpool Scottish who were based in Edenderry House, now part of Banbridge Academy, with Nissen huts laid out on what today are the playing fields; the Yorks. and Lancs. are another Regiment remembered, as were the Welsh Fusiliers who were based at Chinauley. The Fusiliers were part of the 53rd Welsh Division and were based all over Co. Down being brought up to combat readiness throughout 1942/3.
They first arrived in Banbridge from Belfast in 1942 on a Sunday afternoon led by a Fife and Drum band, and the Regimental Goat. The band, and the "Goat' would on occasions (on a Sunday) beat the retreat in the centre of Newry Street. As a boy Walter Porter who had a keen interest in band music, would often be keen to get to school at Ballydown near Chinauley, simply to catch the band on parade. More Welshmen married Irish girls than did men from any other Regiment. The 53rd Welsh Division later took part in the fighting to liberate Holland in 1944. Chinauley, situated two miles out on the Castlewellan Road, Chinauley House, a large family residence which was the home of the Bethel family, was taken over by the War Department. The house and out-buildings were surrounded by mature trees, and the area was an ideal camp site because of the natural camouflage already in existence. The first unit to move in was a Battalion of the Kings Own Rifles, who set up its H.Q in the house, while the remainder of the Battalion was stationed in and around Morton's House, "Moorlands" (this site has been completely altered and much of it is now a modern housing complex). The need for sports facilities soon became apparent and some land was leased to the Army by neighbouring farmers.
Opposite Chinauley, a pontoon bridge was erected over the River Bann giving access to a ready made rifle range "The Nut Bank" a sloping embankment inhabited by scores of rabbits, some of whom must have become casualties. This embankment can still be clearly seen today. The area also was converted into a small assault course, with overhead ropes slung across the fast flowing river as part of the course. Manoeuvres were a regular feature around the narrow country roads, and on returning to Chinauley, huge tailbacks of up to two miles would occur, with Military Police trying to direct drivers into their parking areas. Chinauley house is at present under renovation and is a listed building.
Unfortunately such intensive military activity led to many accidents involving the civilian population. A long list of incidents have been recorded by us on file for the period 1940/2. A few examples are as such: Soldier killed in lorry accident at Kilmacrew
22.3.41. Soldier killed in bomb explosion accident at Deer's Meadow 5.4.41. Four roadmen thrown into a hedge, hit by an Army lorry while they sat having their tea -12.7.41. Man of 35 killed when his car hit an unlit Army bus 2.8.41. Army lorry overturns, hits pillar at Ballyward 23.8.41. Soldier drowns in Newry Canal during manoeuvres 20.9.41. Bren Gun Carrier skids into bus 10.10.42. Bren Gun Carrier hits cart 16.10.42.
The Americans
Fourteen days after leaving Halifax, Nova Scotia, Convoy NA-1 arrived off Lough Foyle. Two large transports detached themselves from the convoy, and two days later the "Strathaird" and the "Chateau Thierry" lay in Bangor Bay. Four tenders then proceeded to Pollock and Dufferin Docks in Belfast. Thus landed the first U.S Troops in N. Ireland. They were part of the 34th Infantry (Mechanised) Division, nicknamed "The Red Bulls". They were followed by three more convoys, arriving on March 3rd, May 12th and May 18th, 1942. Deployment throughout N. Ireland began, and V Army Corp. set up its H.Q. at Brownlow House, Lurgan, whilst the 34th Infantry deployed throughout Counties Antrim and Tyrone. The 1st Armoured Division, "The Old Ironsides", set up its H.Q. at Castlewellan, Co. Down. When the Americans arrived in N. Ireland, the British Army already had several Divisions deployed, and in July 1942, a large scale exercise took place called "Exercise Atlantic" which included the recently arrived American Divisions along with the British 59th and 61st Divisions, and the 72nd British Brigade. The first Americans to arrive in and around Banbridge would have been in late March 1942, and would be from 1st Armoured Division.
This first wave of Americans would have trained throughout the summer of 1942, being deployed for the Battlefront of North Africa between September and October 1942. The second wave began to arrive in mid October 1943 when the 2nd U.S. Infantry Division arrived, to be followed by the 5th Infantry Division, the "Red Diamonds", and then the 82 Airborne Division, who arrived in December, having already been in action in Italy. Last to arrive were 8th Infantry Division, "Golden Arrow Division". These men would be training along with British Divisions (which included the 53rd Welsh Division, who were based throughout Banbridge area) for the Invasion of Europe. XV Corp. H.Q., like V Corp. a year earlier, was set up at Brownlow House, and as with the first wave, the troops were deployed throughout N. Ireland, bringing a total strength by February 1944 to 100,000.
The 5th Infantry Division were deployed in South and East Down, with its H.Q. at Donard Lodge in Newcastle, whilst the 2nd Infantry Division moved into Armagh/Newry areas, with its H.Q. at Armagh. So it would be safe to say any Americans in and around Banbridge would have been part of either of these two Divisions. The 5th Infantry Division went to the Fermanagh - South Tyrone areas, whilst the 82nd Airborne were based in the Cookstown - Castledawson areas. Within a few months they were on the move again to the south of England to take part in the invasion. The 2nd Infantry Division, "The Indian Heads", landed in France on June 7th 1944 (D + 1), whilst the 5th Infantry Division joined the battle in July 1944.
The Belgians
After the Liberation of Belgium in 1944, 25,000 Belgians - Four Infantry Brigades - arrived in N. Ireland for training, with the intention of returning to take part in the final battles against the Germans, but with the German surrender in May 1945 they were not destined for active service. However, the Brigades did return to Europe, not to fight in Germany, but as the seed of a new post-war army of Belgium. It is in a way appropriate that N. Ireland should be the place that was chosen for this new army to take shape for it was the Irish Guards 2nd Battalion, (then an Armoured Regiment) as part of 32 Brigade of the Guards Armoured Division, who spearheaded the drive into Brussels of the Guards Division, being met by an overwhelming mass of deliriously happy Belgians. The scene in Brussels that night of September 3rd 1944 could probably only ever be appreciated or fully described by those who were there. In the drive for Brussels the previous day, the tanks of the Irish Guards 2nd Battalion had roared through the Belgian villages bringing Ireland with them. "St Patrick", "Ulster", "Leinster", "Connaught", and the names of some sixty seven other Irish towns rattled across the streets of Belgium.
Another Irish Regiment, the 5th Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, as part of the 7th Armoured Division, had crossed into Belgium at Troufflers on 31st August 1944 and within six days had swept forward to liberate Ghent and in so doing took the surrender of a whole Infantry Regiment. So it was fitting that Ireland would continue its role in that liberation and play host to the new soldiers of Belgium. When the Belgians first arrived in N. Ireland, several road signs were erected in French and Flemish to direct the soldiers to their respective camps. The 3rd Infantry Brigade moved into camps in South Antrim, whilst the 4th known as "Steenstraete" was based in and around Banbridge. The 5th Infantry Brigade, "Mere Kems", were deployed in Co.Armagh.
The main contingent of the Brigade were based at Seapatrick on the Kilpike road. A private housing estate rests on the original campsite today. Another billet for the Belgian soldiers was Bells Hemstitching factory which was located at the bottom of the Five Lights Hill; it is presently being demolished. The Brigade's repair shops were sited amongst a concentration of Army Installations on the Lurgan side of Burnhouse factory, 2 miles from Lisburn. Other units were stationed in Gilford Castle, and on the present site of Bannvale Adult Training Centre, which at that time was very wooded, on the Stramore Road. The Belgians left an indelible impression on the people of Banbridge.Several large parades took place in the town, one on the 9th May 1945 which saw some four thousand soldiers parade to celebrate V.E Day. It was a second day public holiday, and for May it was a pretty overcast day.
At 3pm 4,000 soldiers of the 4th Infantry Brigade having assembled at points on the Newry Road marched past a saluting base
at the air raid shelter near the North of Bridge Street, the salute being taken by Colonel Louppe, The music was played by a local band, the Milltown Brass and Reed Band which was conducted by an elderly man, Mr William Clugston, who afterwards was thanked by Belgian officers. There was also a local participation of Youth Groups, Civil Defence, and Home Guard. It was obviously a well enjoyed day, as Joe Shaw's shop sold out of minerals, and there seemed to be endless queues at Fusco's shop for Ice Cream.
The "holiday" atmosphere continued into the 10th, with British and Belgian troops on leave and being seen around the town off duty. Everything returned to normal on May 11th, and training for the Belgian soldiers continued. The next big occasion came on Saturday 21st July 1945 when the Belgian soldiers celebrated "Fete National Belge" Belgium's National Day, which marked the coronation of King Leopold 1st on 21st July 1831, the first King of a free independent Belgium. Once again Colonel Louppe, Commanding Officer of the 4th Infantry Brigade, took the salute at a huge march-past of Belgian troops at the air raid shelter in Bridge Street. The music was provided by the 13 buglers of the 4th Brigade, and the band of the Inniskilling Fusiliers.
The march past had begun what was a full day of events. Beginning at 10.00am it was followed by a wreath laying on the War Memorial at 12 noon. In the afternoon a sports day was held at the Showgrounds. That evening a fair and dance was held with a fireworks display at Seapatrick Camp. The following day, Sunday 22 July 1945, the Belgians staged a pageant and carnival. "Nat" McFadden, watching as a teenager, described the pageant in his diary as follows:
"An elaborate and excellently designed set of "tableaux" mounted on 12 large army lorries toured the town, coming down past the Chronicle Office around 5.3Opm. The procession made its way to the Crozier Monument in Church Square and then continued up the town again. At the same time Belgian boys were dancing around the streets, forming long daisy chains and roping in every young woman available. Hardly anyone was able to refuse and everyone was so happy. The young soldiers proved themselves able ambassadors for their homeland and there was absolutely nothing untoward or offensive in their nature. The first lorry represented the old days of Saxon domination over the fair land of Belgium, and was followed by four others representing the four great Belgian universities; Liege, Mons, Lou vain, and Lourdes. On the side of the Liege wagon was the notice "Closed Students are in Ireland!" Another truck represented the enormous war effort of the Belgian Congo; yet another showed the famous horse of Bayard with four riders on its back. Perhaps the most interesting and spectacular of all were the two lorries portraying the grim ordeal of Belgium during the war years. The car devoted to the underground movement.
The Partisans - was a superb exhibition with a mock SS Officer shouting "Sabotage!" each time a thunder-flash was exploded. The model of the V2 Flying Bomb, or "Doodlebug ", was a masterpiece with coloured smoke being ejected from the tail end. Just like the real thing - and it seemed that the model was engineered to actual size. "The most comical float was that of the "Brewers" with a most risque drawing the likes of which had not been paraded ever before in the streets of Banbridge. The aspects of the coal-mines and country We were also nicely depicted. "The sports, admission to which was free, attracted a good sized crowd. The weather remained fair and dry. We were treated to several continental innovations. Like a bottle-felling competition, "Aquatic Don Quixote ", wheel barrow race, egg and spoon race, and a grand display of motor-cycling including trick riding and driving through an arch of fire, over very rough and soggy ground.
"A very amusing highlight was the annual fight between St George and the Dragon whose supporters had a busy and rough time smacking souvenir hunters who kept rushing in and pulling hair from the "dragons" tail. The "dragon" men were rascals with black-painted faces wearing tunics with the devil's head painted or perhaps, stitched on their chests; they were armed with poles on the ends of which were fastened little sacks. After the ritual "killing" of the "dragon", the party paraded the town with the victor and the dead but still kicking "dragon".
"The Belgians again opened their hearts and hospitality to the local people when they ran a fair and carnival at the camp along Kilpike Road where British Unit 77 were at one time in residence. Stout and minerals were on sale, there were roulette tables petrol-can mountains and dart contests. Once more admission was free and a fireworks display ushered out the celebrations at midnight. "A sizeable proportion of the Belgian servicemen present at the celebrations were men wearing blue tunics, white shirts and red ties, the attire of those chaps who are hospital patients. Many of these young men were members of the underground captured by the Gestapo and viciously tortured by the SS. They are in convalescent camps in Ulster, regaining health, in order to
form a seasoned, responsible, "heart "for the new army of Belgium which is taking shape among the green fields of Northern Ireland. The writer of these records humbly pays tribute and salutes the heroes amongst us." As with the British soldiers, such a large concentration of military activity was bound to result in civilians being involved in road accidents, but compared to the scale of activity these were very few. One tragic example occurred on 7th September 1945 when a Belgian Bren gun Carrier went out of control at Poyntzpass killing 87 year old Peter Campbell. another incident on July 30th 1945 at Seapatrick resulted in the death of a young Belgian soldier.
Manoeuvres on September 3rd 1945 around Magherally were larger than usual as the Belgian troops began a working up period for withdrawal. The Town Council under the Chairman, William Logan, held a farewell dinner for Colonel Louppe and his officers in the Downshire Arms Hotel in September. Within weeks the Belgians, 25,000 men from all over Northern Ireland, the seed of a new post war army, had gone; I will not say "never to return", for they did. In small groups they have come back in recent times to renew old memories and recapture what must have been for them the beginning of a whole new era.
The Home Guard
It would be unfair to write this little annal, brief as it may be, and not mention the local Home Guard. Before the power of the Media, and more recently the Gulf War, "some" people, through ignorance, used to mix up the Home Guard with the T.A. The T.A. at the outbreak of war amalgamated with the regular army and served in every theatre of operations for the duration of the war. N. Ireland's T.A. Regiments fought in France, North Africa, and Italy, and the North Irish Horse, for example, fought at Monte Cassino winning a Canadian Battle Honour on the "Hitler Line.
The Home Guard was made up of men considered to old for military service, some being former veterans. Other recruits may have been people unfit for military service, or in reserved occupations. The Home Guard originally known as the Local Defence Volunteers was formed after Dunkirk during the "Invasion Scare". Unlike their German Counterparts they never had to fight.
What they lacked in Military hardware they made up for in enthusiasm. Organized on military lines, they usually drilled in local church halls learning fieldcraft, aircraft recognition, first aid and the like. But they also learnt military tactics and took part in exercises with the army.
The Banbridge Home Guard drilled in the yard at Ferguson Factory learning to shoot ,first being instructed by First World War veterans, and later by the Welsh a quarryland at Dromore Road had been adapted as a firing range and they used this, but they later went to Ballykinler for weekends, and the military training area at Slieve Croob. Locally they trained at the Old Brewery on the Castlewellan Road, already mentioned as a billet for British Soldiers. The ballast pit at Rathfriland Road was also another known location for Home Guard Training. Exercises spread in and around Banbridge and even as far as Newry, and these involved the army and Lysander aircraft from 231 Squadron, an army Co-operation Squadron based at Long Kesh airfield. Despite the threat of invasion having diminished toward the end of 1942, the Home Guard continued until the end of the war when it was disbanded. They may not have had to fight, but they had their own unique little war, joined together by a diversity of age and background.
