Wartime Ulster

The Northern Ireland Memorial Museum commemorates the province’s contribution to WWII and houses several military charities

With the centenary of the creation of Northern Ireland this year, much of the province’s 100-year history has been dominated by the sectarian conflict that raged during the 1960s-90s. Nevertheless, Ulster was also heavily affected by WWII. While Southern Ireland remained neutral, the north fought as part of the UK, with 38,000 Northern

Irish people joining the British armed forces. Belfast was heavily blitzed, with thousands of casualties and extensive damage to the city. The US Army also arrived in large numbers during 1942-44 and established many bases across the six counties.

This story is remembered at the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum (NIWM), which is situated in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. It displays a unique collection relating to the blitz, the American forces, Ulster Home Guard, wartime industry and the role of women. Its collection contains thousands of fascinating objects, from artworks and uniforms to photographs and radios. The centrepiece of the museum is the Memorial Wall and plinth, which contains two Rolls of Honour that name all those from Northern Ireland who died serving in both World Wars.

In line with its additional mission to assist ex-servicemen and women, the NIWM’S building also houses the Northern Ireland offices of the SSAFA Armed Forces Charity, Combat Stress and Help for Heroes. It provides free access to its boardroom and conference room to all ex-service bodies as well as being a charitable output.

The NIWM holds regular events, including open days and tours. For more information visit: www.niwarmemorial.org

The Northern Ireland War Memorial Building was originally built on an area of Belfast that had been destroyed by German bombing raids

ABOVE: African American soldiers of the US Army distribute food rations at their base in Northern Ireland