This summer marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the 1st Battalion US Rangers, a new elite fighting force formed in Carrickfergus in 1942.
To celebrate this milestone, an historic ‘American Troops and Wartime NI’ seminar and tour is being held at Carrickfergus Museum on Saturday 20 August from 10.30am – 3.30pm.
With assistance from the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum, the event shines a light on this well-known aspect of local history - looking at how our American allies viewed the people and customs they came into contact with and featuring film footage from the documentary film ‘Home Away from Home, The Yanks in Ireland’.
Following the seminar, Adrian Hack from ‘Lead The Way’ tours, will take participants on an informative walking and bus tour to discover the unique role Carrickfergus played during the Second World War. Stops include the Churchhill Tank, The Sunnylands Memorial, Barn Mills, Prospect Estate and the US Rangers Museum.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said:
“Trained in commando skills in extreme conditions, the 1st Battalion US Rangers fought in some of the deadliest battles in Europe to become one of WWII’s most courageous and decorated units.
“This seminar and tour is the perfect chance to find out more about this fascinating time in local history through photographs, memorabilia, memories and film.”
Ticket costs:
Seminar and tour - £8
Seminar only - £5
Tour only - £5
Lunch will be provided for seminar participants.
For further information on the US Rangers Museum & exhibition, please visit:
This project is funded by The Executive Office through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme.