MEA parade to honour North Irish Horse heroes of the Battle of the Hitler Line

The legacy of one of Northern Ireland’s most distinguished military regiments will be honoured this month as the North Irish Horse Regimental Association and the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Hitler Line.

On Saturday 31 May, a commemorative parade will take place to recognise the crucial role played by the North Irish Horse in the pivotal 1944 battle, fought in central Italy during the Second World War.

The Hitler Line was a German defensive line in central Italy during the Second World War.

Supporting Canadian infantry, the regiment was instrumental in breaching the heavily fortified Nazi defences — a victory that came at considerable cost.

The event, hosted in Carrickfergus with support from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, will begin with a parade from the Castle slip-road along Marine Highway to Joymount, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial.

The public is invited to gather at High Street/Joymount from 10.30am to view the procession.

During the Battle of the Hitler Line on 23 May 1944, 34 members of the North Irish Horse lost their lives, with 36 wounded and 25 Churchill tanks destroyed. The operation marked a significant breach in Nazi defences as part of the Allied advance, known as Operation Chesterfield.

Reflecting on the occasion, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman William McCaughey, said:

“We are honoured to be hosting this event, which marks the incredible contribution of the North Irish Horse, who Council previously bestowed the Freedom of the Borough on.

“It is important that we remember and reflect on one of the hardest-fought battles in the history of a local regiment.

“Council is supporting the annual commemoration of the Battle of the Hitler Line on behalf of the North Irish Horse Regimental Association, and we will be remembering the 34 members of what is now B (North Irish Horse) Squadron of The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry who died in action during the battle on May 23, 1944.

“The unit’s Churchill tanks were integral to the success of Operation Chesterfield by breaching the Hitler Line during the closing months of World War Two.

“The bravery of all those involved in the battle still resonates within our community, and I welcome our residents to join us to reflect on their sacrifice.”

The commemoration will also pay tribute to the town’s historic link with the Churchill IV tank, many of which were manufactured in Carrickfergus during the war and used extensively by the regiment across Europe.

The tank near the War Memorial, a symbol of this heritage, is currently being repainted ahead of the event.

In 2016, the Freedom of the Borough was officially conferred upon B (North Irish Horse) Squadron of the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry, in recognition of their longstanding connection to the local community.

Residents are reminded that Joymount car park will be closed from 6pm on Friday 30 May until after the conclusion of the commemoration.

This solemn yet proud occasion continues to ensure that the bravery and sacrifice of the North Irish Horse remain remembered by generations to come.