During the Second World War, north Belfast was one of the first areas marched through by members of the U.S. Army entering the European Theater of Operations.
Belfast
On 5th May 1941, during the Fire Raid of the Belfast Blitz, incendiary bombs fell causing fires on Allworthy Avenue off the Antrim Road in North Belfast.
On 15th-16th April 1941, Luftwaffe bombs caused havy damage to residential areas off the Antrim Road in North Belfast resulting in many deaths in the locality.
During the Second World War, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress #42-97862 came down on the slopes of Cave Hill in north Belfast killing 10 of the crew members onboard.
The area around Clifton Street sustained heavy damage during the Belfast Blitz of 1941. Residents of the Belfast Charitable Institution. evacuated from the area
Garmoyle Street near Belfast Docks was a hive of activity on 26th January 1942 as the first elements of the U.S. Army marched towards the railway station.
Glenravel Street in North Belfast once ran alongside Clifton House. In May 1941, Luftwaffe bombs fell in the area during the Fire Raid of the Belfast Blitz.
On 15th-16th April 1941, Hillman Street off Antrim Road in North Belfast felt the force of German Luftwaffe bombs during the Easter Raid of the Belfast Blitz.
Lonsdale Street off Crumlin Road in East Belfast was home to Eglington Street Public Elementary School, a military billet that sustained damage in the Blitz.
Premier Drive runs off Shore Road, North Belfast. In 1943 it was home to Robert Meekin who forged a friendship with a U.S. Army General.
During the Easter Raid of the Belfast Blitz, the tram depot on Salisbury Avenue off Antrim Road, Befast took a hit leaving a large crater hundering the trams.
On the night of 4th-5th May 1941, A.R.P. Wardens at Post 372 reported to Glenravel R.U.C. Barracks about a fire at the junction with North Queen Street.
Stanhope Street and the surrounding areas in North Belfast sustained heavy damage during the Luftwaffe raids of the Belfast Blitz in April and May 1941.
A commemorative plaque at Carrick Hill Community Centre remembers those from Trinity Street and the surrounding area who died during the Belfast Blitz of 1941.
A commemorative plaque at Carrick Hill Community Centre remembers those from Unity Street and the surrounding area who died during the Belfast Blitz of 1941.
Whitla Street, Belfast during the Second World War
Due to its proximity to the docks, Belfast's York Road sustained heavy damage from Luftwaffe bombs. Less than a year later, U.S. GIs would gather on arrival.
During the Second World War, Luftwaffe bombs fell around the York Street area, causing damage to the mill walls and resulting in loss of life for many locals.