53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division

53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division arrived in Northern Ireland in 1940 following the fall of France. The aim was to protect Ulster from the threat of Nazi invasion.

53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division

British Troops in Northern Ireland

A royal inspection in 1941

On 22nd April 1941, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester and senior military officers watched soldiers of 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division training in and around Northern Ireland.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester with Brigadier C.M. Christie and Major General Bevil Thomson Wilson D.S.O. (General Officer Commanding 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division) watching soldiers at a firing practice at Ballykinler, Co. Down. — ©IWM H 9114 Info

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester with Major General Bevil Thomson Wilson D.S.O. (General Officer Commanding 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division) and Lieutenant Colonel Hewitt M.C. (1/5th Battalion, The Welsh Regiment) watching soldiers at a firing practice at Yellow River, Mourne Mountains, Co. Down. — ©IWM H 9113 Info

Colonel Jasper Gray Frere D.S.O., M.C., Colonel C.B. Stephenson, a Royal Artillery Commander, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, and Major General Bevil Thomson Wilson D.S.O. (General Officer Commanding 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division) watching soldiers at a firing practice at Yellow River, Mourne Mountains, Co. Down. — ©IWM H 9115 Info

Junior Leader's Course at Poyntzpass

Officers of 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division receiving instruction in tactical operations at a Junior Leader's Course at 53rd Division Tactical School, Union (Lisnabrague) Lodge, Poyntzpass, Co. Armagh.

Officers of 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division receiving instruction in tactical operations at a Junior Leader's Course at 53rd Division Tactical School, Union (Lisnabrague) Lodge, Poyntzpass, Co. Armagh. — ©IWM H 12837 Info

Featured image for 2nd Battalion Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps

2nd Battalion Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps

53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division

In June 1940, when Nazi invasion was a plausible threat, 2nd Battalion, Fife and Forfar Yeomanry arrived in Ulster as part of 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division.

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53rd Divisional Artillery

53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division

Several field and anti-aircraft regiments of 53rd Divisional Artillery served alongside 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division during their time in Northern Ireland.

158th Infantry Brigade

53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division

158th Infantry Brigade comprising several battalions of Royal Welch Fusiliers was part of 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division during their time in Northern Ireland.

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159th Infantry Brigade

53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division

159th Infantry Brigade including Herefordshire and Monmouthshire regiments formed part of 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division during their time in Northern Ireland.

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160th Infantry Brigade

53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division

160th Infantry Brigade including a Monmouthshire regiment and Welch Fusiliers were part of 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division during their time in Northern Ireland.