WartimeNI | Northern Ireland during the Second World War
@wartimeni.com
Stories and sights from the Second World War in Northern Ireland from 1939-1945. Posts by Belfast-based Scott Edgar.
On 16th February 1943, 72nd Independent Infantry Brigade trained in Co. Down using a raft of iron and waterproofing to cross Corbet Lough carrying vehicles.
(📷: IWM H 27276)
More photos here:
wartimeni.com/location/nor...
(📷: IWM H 27276)
More photos here:
wartimeni.com/location/nor...
February 16, 2026 at 9:14 PM
On 16th February 1943, 72nd Independent Infantry Brigade trained in Co. Down using a raft of iron and waterproofing to cross Corbet Lough carrying vehicles.
(📷: IWM H 27276)
More photos here:
wartimeni.com/location/nor...
(📷: IWM H 27276)
More photos here:
wartimeni.com/location/nor...
"Die Wasserwerke"
Yesterday's "Blitz Map" kicked up some good discussion including the old 'the Luftwaffe bombed the waterworks by mistake thinking it was the docks'.
The waterworks were ALWAYS a primary target for the Luftwaffe. Take out the water supply and the city will burn.
📷 IWM (LBY LUFT5)
Yesterday's "Blitz Map" kicked up some good discussion including the old 'the Luftwaffe bombed the waterworks by mistake thinking it was the docks'.
The waterworks were ALWAYS a primary target for the Luftwaffe. Take out the water supply and the city will burn.
📷 IWM (LBY LUFT5)
February 9, 2026 at 8:04 PM
"Die Wasserwerke"
Yesterday's "Blitz Map" kicked up some good discussion including the old 'the Luftwaffe bombed the waterworks by mistake thinking it was the docks'.
The waterworks were ALWAYS a primary target for the Luftwaffe. Take out the water supply and the city will burn.
📷 IWM (LBY LUFT5)
Yesterday's "Blitz Map" kicked up some good discussion including the old 'the Luftwaffe bombed the waterworks by mistake thinking it was the docks'.
The waterworks were ALWAYS a primary target for the Luftwaffe. Take out the water supply and the city will burn.
📷 IWM (LBY LUFT5)
"Stadtplan von Belfast mit Mil.-Geo.-Eintragungen"
Published by the OKW in 1940, this map shows the city of Belfast in great detail. Annotations single out military and industrial sites, many of which would sustain damage during the following year's Belfast Blitz.
(David Rumsey Collection)
Published by the OKW in 1940, this map shows the city of Belfast in great detail. Annotations single out military and industrial sites, many of which would sustain damage during the following year's Belfast Blitz.
(David Rumsey Collection)
February 8, 2026 at 6:15 PM
"Stadtplan von Belfast mit Mil.-Geo.-Eintragungen"
Published by the OKW in 1940, this map shows the city of Belfast in great detail. Annotations single out military and industrial sites, many of which would sustain damage during the following year's Belfast Blitz.
(David Rumsey Collection)
Published by the OKW in 1940, this map shows the city of Belfast in great detail. Annotations single out military and industrial sites, many of which would sustain damage during the following year's Belfast Blitz.
(David Rumsey Collection)
Here's a caricature of me done by an actual real life artist and a photo of me doing my job and embracing my hobbies.
See, you don't HAVE to destroy the planet, put creatives' jobs at risk, contribute to data mining, and cheapen everything by generating AI slop!
See, you don't HAVE to destroy the planet, put creatives' jobs at risk, contribute to data mining, and cheapen everything by generating AI slop!
February 8, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Here's a caricature of me done by an actual real life artist and a photo of me doing my job and embracing my hobbies.
See, you don't HAVE to destroy the planet, put creatives' jobs at risk, contribute to data mining, and cheapen everything by generating AI slop!
See, you don't HAVE to destroy the planet, put creatives' jobs at risk, contribute to data mining, and cheapen everything by generating AI slop!
As we gear up for the 85th anniversary of The Belfast Blitz this year, we're keen to hear YOUR stories...
So, please share this post with your followers and let us know what you, your family or friends experienced during the Luftwaffe raids on Northern Ireland in April/May 1941.
So, please share this post with your followers and let us know what you, your family or friends experienced during the Luftwaffe raids on Northern Ireland in April/May 1941.
February 3, 2026 at 6:41 PM
As we gear up for the 85th anniversary of The Belfast Blitz this year, we're keen to hear YOUR stories...
So, please share this post with your followers and let us know what you, your family or friends experienced during the Luftwaffe raids on Northern Ireland in April/May 1941.
So, please share this post with your followers and let us know what you, your family or friends experienced during the Luftwaffe raids on Northern Ireland in April/May 1941.
St. Brigid's Day
On 31st January 1941, the Derry Journal explained the weaving and the significance of the St. Brigid's Cross.
On 31st January 1941, the Derry Journal explained the weaving and the significance of the St. Brigid's Cross.
February 1, 2026 at 4:03 PM
St. Brigid's Day
On 31st January 1941, the Derry Journal explained the weaving and the significance of the St. Brigid's Cross.
On 31st January 1941, the Derry Journal explained the weaving and the significance of the St. Brigid's Cross.
Overpaid, over-sexed, and over here...
On 31st January 1942, United States Army Northern Ireland Force conducted its first payday. Troops received British currency with £1 GBP equal to $4.035 USD.
📷: Washington County Free Library WCRH019
On 31st January 1942, United States Army Northern Ireland Force conducted its first payday. Troops received British currency with £1 GBP equal to $4.035 USD.
📷: Washington County Free Library WCRH019
January 31, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Overpaid, over-sexed, and over here...
On 31st January 1942, United States Army Northern Ireland Force conducted its first payday. Troops received British currency with £1 GBP equal to $4.035 USD.
📷: Washington County Free Library WCRH019
On 31st January 1942, United States Army Northern Ireland Force conducted its first payday. Troops received British currency with £1 GBP equal to $4.035 USD.
📷: Washington County Free Library WCRH019
Back in 2022, I had the privilege of talking with Auschwitz survivor Rachel Levy who found a post-war safe haven in Northern Ireland. Now more than ever, it's vital to educate on the horrors of the Holocaust.
A podcast episode worth a listen today:
wartimeni.com/audio/episod...
A podcast episode worth a listen today:
wartimeni.com/audio/episod...
January 27, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Back in 2022, I had the privilege of talking with Auschwitz survivor Rachel Levy who found a post-war safe haven in Northern Ireland. Now more than ever, it's vital to educate on the horrors of the Holocaust.
A podcast episode worth a listen today:
wartimeni.com/audio/episod...
A podcast episode worth a listen today:
wartimeni.com/audio/episod...
Holocaust Memorial Day reading.
Before the outbreak of war, the Northern Ireland government created a scheme to tackle the region’s chronic unemployment by offering financial support to people who could create jobs. Applications came from hundreds of Jewish people seeking to escape occupied Europe.
Before the outbreak of war, the Northern Ireland government created a scheme to tackle the region’s chronic unemployment by offering financial support to people who could create jobs. Applications came from hundreds of Jewish people seeking to escape occupied Europe.
January 27, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Holocaust Memorial Day reading.
Before the outbreak of war, the Northern Ireland government created a scheme to tackle the region’s chronic unemployment by offering financial support to people who could create jobs. Applications came from hundreds of Jewish people seeking to escape occupied Europe.
Before the outbreak of war, the Northern Ireland government created a scheme to tackle the region’s chronic unemployment by offering financial support to people who could create jobs. Applications came from hundreds of Jewish people seeking to escape occupied Europe.
Working on a brand new talk...
If you'd like us to come and speak to your group about Northern Ireland, during the Second World War, you can get in touch using the link below.
wartimeni.com/contact-us/
If you'd like us to come and speak to your group about Northern Ireland, during the Second World War, you can get in touch using the link below.
wartimeni.com/contact-us/
January 24, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Working on a brand new talk...
If you'd like us to come and speak to your group about Northern Ireland, during the Second World War, you can get in touch using the link below.
wartimeni.com/contact-us/
If you'd like us to come and speak to your group about Northern Ireland, during the Second World War, you can get in touch using the link below.
wartimeni.com/contact-us/
Brigadier Gerald Arthur Pilleau M.C. of 197th Infantry Brigade "somewhere in Northern Ireland". Photo taken on 12th January 1942.
January 12, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Brigadier Gerald Arthur Pilleau M.C. of 197th Infantry Brigade "somewhere in Northern Ireland". Photo taken on 12th January 1942.
Workers from a munitions factory in Northern Ireland receive instruction on being part of a gun crew at Downpatrick, Co. Down.
January 11, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Workers from a munitions factory in Northern Ireland receive instruction on being part of a gun crew at Downpatrick, Co. Down.
Ready for adventure in 2026... Where should we go? What should we see? What wartime stories do you want to hear?
January 9, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Ready for adventure in 2026... Where should we go? What should we see? What wartime stories do you want to hear?
On 20th December 1943, a Vickers Wellington came down on Mount Brandon in Co. Kerry, Ireland killing all six Polish crew members from R.A.F. 304 Squadron. Their graves are in Belfast.
Read more:
wartimeni.com/article/avia...
Read more:
wartimeni.com/article/avia...
December 20, 2025 at 7:24 PM
On 20th December 1943, a Vickers Wellington came down on Mount Brandon in Co. Kerry, Ireland killing all six Polish crew members from R.A.F. 304 Squadron. Their graves are in Belfast.
Read more:
wartimeni.com/article/avia...
Read more:
wartimeni.com/article/avia...
General Sergej Ingr (Minister of National Defence and Commander in Chief of Czechoslovakian Forces) inspects a Gloucestershire Regiment guard of honour at Belfast City Hall during the visit of M. Jan Masaryk (Deputy Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia) to Northern Ireland.
(📷: IWM : H 26277)
(📷: IWM : H 26277)
December 13, 2025 at 3:57 PM
General Sergej Ingr (Minister of National Defence and Commander in Chief of Czechoslovakian Forces) inspects a Gloucestershire Regiment guard of honour at Belfast City Hall during the visit of M. Jan Masaryk (Deputy Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia) to Northern Ireland.
(📷: IWM : H 26277)
(📷: IWM : H 26277)
People love looking at wartime pictures and it turns out they did during the conflict too. On 10th December 1941, Lieutenant J.R. Bainbridge photographed an exhibition of War Office pictures on display in Northern Ireland.
(📷: Imperial War Museum)
(📷: Imperial War Museum)
December 10, 2025 at 8:53 PM
People love looking at wartime pictures and it turns out they did during the conflict too. On 10th December 1941, Lieutenant J.R. Bainbridge photographed an exhibition of War Office pictures on display in Northern Ireland.
(📷: Imperial War Museum)
(📷: Imperial War Museum)
On 6th December 1940 Portadown F.C. signed 6'1 centre-half Joe Rooney from @wolvesfc.bsky.social. He was based in Northern Ireland with 9th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment. The following year he was a fatal casualty of the Belfast Blitz.
Read more:
wartimeni.com/profile/brit...
Read more:
wartimeni.com/profile/brit...
December 6, 2025 at 8:50 PM
On 6th December 1940 Portadown F.C. signed 6'1 centre-half Joe Rooney from @wolvesfc.bsky.social. He was based in Northern Ireland with 9th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment. The following year he was a fatal casualty of the Belfast Blitz.
Read more:
wartimeni.com/profile/brit...
Read more:
wartimeni.com/profile/brit...
Craftsman Cathcart of Greenock, Scotland welding using power from a lorry engine at 3 Non Divisional Engineers, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers base workshop at Gilford, Co. Down. Photo taken on 4th December 1942 by Lieutenant J.R. Bainbridge.
(IWM H 26098)
(IWM H 26098)
December 4, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Craftsman Cathcart of Greenock, Scotland welding using power from a lorry engine at 3 Non Divisional Engineers, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers base workshop at Gilford, Co. Down. Photo taken on 4th December 1942 by Lieutenant J.R. Bainbridge.
(IWM H 26098)
(IWM H 26098)
Exterior view of a converted motor coach serving as a Mobile Dental Unit at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn, Co. Antrim. Photo taken on 3rd December 1943.
(IWM H 34674)
(IWM H 34674)
December 3, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Exterior view of a converted motor coach serving as a Mobile Dental Unit at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn, Co. Antrim. Photo taken on 3rd December 1943.
(IWM H 34674)
(IWM H 34674)
A parachutist lands as a smokescreen is laid during a training exercise at the bridge on the River Quoile near Downpatrick, Co. Down. Photo taken on 1st December 1942 by Lieutenant J.R. Bainbridge – War Office Photographer.
(IWM H 25898)
(IWM H 25898)
December 1, 2025 at 7:08 PM
A parachutist lands as a smokescreen is laid during a training exercise at the bridge on the River Quoile near Downpatrick, Co. Down. Photo taken on 1st December 1942 by Lieutenant J.R. Bainbridge – War Office Photographer.
(IWM H 25898)
(IWM H 25898)
30 days of memorials part 30.
Hillsborough, Co. Down.
Is this the only Celtic Cross War Memorial in Northern Ireland?
Hillsborough, Co. Down.
Is this the only Celtic Cross War Memorial in Northern Ireland?
November 30, 2025 at 7:23 PM
30 days of memorials part 30.
Hillsborough, Co. Down.
Is this the only Celtic Cross War Memorial in Northern Ireland?
Hillsborough, Co. Down.
Is this the only Celtic Cross War Memorial in Northern Ireland?
No matter what the internet tells you, the Belfast Giants were NOT the first ice hockey team in Northern Ireland.
On 30th November 1939, the Belfast Telegraph published the rules ahead of the first hockey game at the King's Hall rink.
Here's an old ep. of the podcast.
wartimeni.com/audio/episod...
On 30th November 1939, the Belfast Telegraph published the rules ahead of the first hockey game at the King's Hall rink.
Here's an old ep. of the podcast.
wartimeni.com/audio/episod...
November 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
No matter what the internet tells you, the Belfast Giants were NOT the first ice hockey team in Northern Ireland.
On 30th November 1939, the Belfast Telegraph published the rules ahead of the first hockey game at the King's Hall rink.
Here's an old ep. of the podcast.
wartimeni.com/audio/episod...
On 30th November 1939, the Belfast Telegraph published the rules ahead of the first hockey game at the King's Hall rink.
Here's an old ep. of the podcast.
wartimeni.com/audio/episod...
The United States Army activated Depot O-621 at Pinetum Camp, Bangor, Co. Down on 29th November 1943. On that date, 944th Motor Vehicle Distributing Company under Captain Ewen J. Cameron (0275252) arrived from England with its own stock of around 60 vehicles.
More:
wartimeni.com/location/nor...
More:
wartimeni.com/location/nor...
November 29, 2025 at 9:42 PM
The United States Army activated Depot O-621 at Pinetum Camp, Bangor, Co. Down on 29th November 1943. On that date, 944th Motor Vehicle Distributing Company under Captain Ewen J. Cameron (0275252) arrived from England with its own stock of around 60 vehicles.
More:
wartimeni.com/location/nor...
More:
wartimeni.com/location/nor...
30 days of memorials part 29.
Gilford, Co. Down.
The war memorial in Gilford remembers those from the village and nearby townlands who gave their lives in both World Wars. Photo taken on 10th September 2016.
Gilford, Co. Down.
The war memorial in Gilford remembers those from the village and nearby townlands who gave their lives in both World Wars. Photo taken on 10th September 2016.
November 29, 2025 at 9:25 PM
30 days of memorials part 29.
Gilford, Co. Down.
The war memorial in Gilford remembers those from the village and nearby townlands who gave their lives in both World Wars. Photo taken on 10th September 2016.
Gilford, Co. Down.
The war memorial in Gilford remembers those from the village and nearby townlands who gave their lives in both World Wars. Photo taken on 10th September 2016.
30 days of memorials part 28.
Belfast Blitz Plaques.
In 2016, Belfast City Council began unveiling a series of commemorative plaques across the city to mark the 75th anniversary of the Belfast Blitz of 1941.
Belfast Blitz Plaques.
In 2016, Belfast City Council began unveiling a series of commemorative plaques across the city to mark the 75th anniversary of the Belfast Blitz of 1941.
November 28, 2025 at 7:29 PM
30 days of memorials part 28.
Belfast Blitz Plaques.
In 2016, Belfast City Council began unveiling a series of commemorative plaques across the city to mark the 75th anniversary of the Belfast Blitz of 1941.
Belfast Blitz Plaques.
In 2016, Belfast City Council began unveiling a series of commemorative plaques across the city to mark the 75th anniversary of the Belfast Blitz of 1941.