Forces in Northern Ireland

Auxiliary Air Force

The Auxiliary Air Force dates back to the 1920s. In 1925, AAF 502 (Ulster) Squadron made history, becoming the first of 21 Special Reserve Squadrons.

Auxiliary Territorial Service

Established in September 1938, the Auxiliary Territorial Service was for women between 18 and 50 years old. Many served in non-combatative roles in Ulster.

British Army

World War Two began on 3rd September 1939. By October that year, the first waves of British Army infantry troops had begun to arrive in Northern Ireland.

German Prisoners of War

Towards the end of the Second World War, there were many German prisoners of war in Northern Ireland in camps and military hospitals across the country.

Mechanised Transport Corps

The Mechanised Transport Corps based in Belfast, Co. Antrim operated under the Ministry of Supply. The volunteers wore battledress and held officer status.

Polish Air Force

RAF 303 and 315 Squadrons represented the Polish Air Force during the Second World War in Northern Ireland. Both units flew from RAF Ballyhalbert, Co. Down.

Royal Air Force

During World War Two, the Royal Air Force operated from airfields across Northern Ireland providing bases for training, U-Boat patrols, and convoy escorts.

Royal Australian Air Force

Many personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force died in Northern Ireland while training in Royal Air Force training units during the Second World War.

Royal Australian Navy

Royal Canadian Air Force

Royal Navy

Royal New Zealand Air Force

United States Army

The first troops of the United States Army to enter the European Theatre of Operations landed at Dufferin Dock, Belfast, Co. Antrim on 26th January 1942.

United States Army Air Force

United States Navy

Women's Royal Naval Service

The Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) reformed in 1939 at the beginning of the Second World War and at its height in 1944 had 75,000 active servicewomen.