The statement from Mr. John Miller Andrews (Prime Minister of Northern Ireland)

On 26th January 1942, the first elements of the United States Army arrived in Northern Ireland. At Belfast Docks, a welcome party of dignitaries and military officers awaited. Among them was Mr. John Miller Andrews (Prime Minister of Northern Ireland) who issued the following statement.

In company with his Grace the Governor, the Secretary of State for Air (Sir Archibald Sinclair) and representatives of H.M. Forces, I had the privilege today of witnessing the arrival of a large contingent of American troops and of joining in the enthusiastic welcome given to them when they set foot on Ulster soil.

It was a stirring and historic occasion. Both the Government and the people of Northern Ireland share my feelings of satisfaction that officers and men of the United States Army are here to join in the struggle against those evil forces which inhuman enemies have unloosed and which must be defeated before peace can be restored, security established, and right enthroned throughout the world.

The treacherous attack upon American and British bases in the Pacific reveals Japanese aggression in all its baseness. The immediate result was to bring the full strength of the United States into the war on Britain’s side. From that moment, our two democracies were knit together in a new and powerful alliance.

After the lapse of a generation, American Forces have again crossed the Atlantic. They will share with Britain and our other gallant Allies the burden and honour of the struggle against the Axis Powers.

From this part of the British Empire, we extend to President Roosevelt and the Government and people of the United States our tribute of admiration for the determination with which they have entered the fight against the common foe. With us they realise the gravity of the menace to all that is best and noblest in our civilisation; they know that both hemispheres are threatened by a ruthless barbarism.

Enthusiastically and gladly, therefore, we welcome the American Forces now in our midst. Their presence is a reminder of the close kinship that has long existed between the United States and Ulster. It is a reaffirmation of those principles of human liberty for which the British and American peoples stand. It is also an omen of that victory, which will assuredly be the reward of our united steadfastness and sacrifice.

War will be carried into Germany.

Mr. John Miller Andrews (Prime Minister of Northern Ireland) | Belfast on 26th January 1942

The first elements of the United States Army arrive in Northern Ireland

26th January 1942

On 26th January 1942, elements of the United States Army began to arrive at Belfast Docks in Northern Ireland marking their entry into the war in Europe.

The Atlantic Crossing from New York to Northern Ireland on Convoy AT-10

15th January 1942

On 15th January 1942, Convoy AT-10 departed from the eastern seaboard of the U.S.A. Unknown to most troops onboard, the destination was Northern Ireland.

The address from Sir Archibald Sinclair (Secretary of State for Air)

26th January 1942

On 26th January 1942, Sir Archibald Sinclair gave a short address at the quayside in Belfast welcoming the first contingent of the American Expeditionary Force.

A warm Ulster welcome for Major-General Hartle and his troops

26th January 1942

As the first contingent of the American Expeditionary Force arrived in Ulster, a host of dignitaries gave a warm welcome to Major-General Hartle and troops.

The United States Army begins the friendly invasion of Ulster

26th January 1942

In January 1942, elements of the United States Army crossed the Atlantic Ocean arriving in Northern Ireland and beginning a "friendly invasion" of Ulster.

The U.S. Army in uniform dresses to impress in Northern Ireland

26th January 1942

As the first elements of the U.S. Army arrived in cities, towns, and villages throughout Northern Ireland, locals remarked on their good looks and uniforms.

The British Army set up camps for the Americans in Ulster

26th January 1942

Before the arrival of the American Expeditionary Force in Ulster, soldiers of the British Army helped set up camps for their new Ally in the war in Europe.

A Pocket Guide to Northern Ireland

26th January 1942

With the arrival of the first U.S. Army troops in January 1942, each GI received a 'Pocket Guide to Northern Ireland' to help them adapt to new surroundings.

Home Away From Home by Mary Pat Kelly

Mary Pat Kelly is an Irish-American writer and filmmaker. In the 1990s, she researched the American Military's time in Northern Ireland for her book and accompanying documentary 'Home Away From Home: The Yanks In Ireland'.

Northern Ireland, the United States, and the Second World War

Dr. Simon Topping is a lecturer at the University of Plymouth. He has undertaken extensive research into the social, and political impact of the time spent in Ulster by GIs for his latest book 'Northern Ireland, the United States, and the Second World War'.

References

Staff Writer (1942) 'American Troops in Ulster', Belfast News-Letter, 27th January 1942, Available at: [ https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000038/19420127/054/0003 ], Accessed 8th December 2021.