61st Infantry Division

Messing Course in Portrush

On 5th December 1941, British officers of 61st Infantry Division underwent instruction in field cooking techniques on a Messing Course at Portrush, Co. Antrim.

A cook Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor demonstrates how to make good pastry in an improvised drum oven at 61st Division Officer's Messing Course at Portrush, Co. Antrim. — ©IWM H 16001 Info

Fine oxtail soup prepared in an improvised field kitchen using a bin lid as an oven door at 61st Division Officer's Messing Course at Portrush, Co. Antrim. — ©IWM H 16002 Info

The School Commandant lecturing in the various types of oven that can be made from odds and ends in the field at 61st Division Officer's Messing Course at Portrush, Co. Antrim. — ©IWM H 16003 Info

An improved oil and water fire made up by using two bully beef tins into a stove is demonstrated by a visiting catering adviser. The fuel tank is a treacle tin and the oil is fed by trickling from a hole in the fuel tin down a channel of tin. Control of feed is by means of a nail in the hole of the tin. Photo taken at 61st Division Officer's Messing Course at Portrush, Co. Antrim. — ©IWM H 16005 Info

One of the students takes his turn before his fellows as — ©IWM H 16006 Info

182nd Infantry Brigade

61st Infantry Division

182nd Infantry Brigade formed as part of the Territorial Army in 1939 prior to the outbreak of the Second World War. It served solely in a home defence role.

184th Infantry Brigade

61st Infantry Division

184th Infantry Brigade formed as part of the Territorial Army in 1939 prior to the outbreak of the Second World War. It served solely in a home defence role.

61st Divisional Artillery

61st Infantry Division

During 61st Infantry Division's time in Northern Ireland during the Second World War, Royal Artillery regiments served within the 61st Divisional Artillery.

61st Divisional Engineers

61st Infantry Division

During the Second World War, 61st Divisional Engineers trained in Northern Ireland carrying out trial river crossings and digging roads through mountainsides.

III (Kent) Corps Troops Royal Engineers

61st Infantry Division

III (Kent) Corps Troops Royal Engineers spent time based around Portadown, Co. Armagh. They took part in the clear-up in the aftermath of the Belfast Blitz.