During the Second World War, the town of Newry in Co. Down hosted members of the American forces, some of whom played American football at The Showgrounds.
On 18th April 1941, 1/5th Battalion, The Welsh Regiment took part in a training exercise over open moorland using Universal Carriers near Newry, Co. Down.
On 18th February 1943, 2/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers underwent 'toughening up' around Newry, Co. Down as part of 59th (Staffordshire) Infantry Division.