During the Second World War, many women from Ulster enlisted in the ranks of the Auxiliary Territorial Service or A.T.S. the women's branch of the British Army.
W12
In 1941, Sergeant Staff Major Mabel Kathleen Twist of Belfast was named by Chief Controller Jean Knox as "the smartest woman in the A.T.S."
Royal Engineers
In 1941, photographer Lieutenant J.R. Bainbridge pictured members of the Inland Water Transport, Royal Engineers patrolling on Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland.
Between March 1941 and March 1942, 5th Infantry Division as a whole operated in Ulster under British Troops in Northern Ireland (B.T.N.I.) providing defence.
5th Infantry Division
In 1941, 5th Reconnaissance Battalion, divisional troops of 5th Infantry Division operated in Northern Ireland as part of a defence against potential invasion.
Royal Artillery
On 17th October 1941, 208th Anti-Tank Battery, Royal Artillery undertook an exercise near Lislap House, Co. Tyrone watched by Lieutenant General Franklyn.
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.
6th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment served in Northern Ireland during the Second World War forming part of 184th Infantry Brigade, 61st Infantry Division.
British Army
Established in May 1941, British Troops in Northern Ireland Ireland (B.T.N.I.) was responsible for the defence of the region throughout the Second World War.
Infantry
7th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment was a battalion primarily engaged in home defence during the early years of the Second World War, having formed in 1940.
148th Independent Infantry Brigade
Between 17th December 1940 and 24th July 1942, 4th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment was part of 148th Independent Infantry Brigade and spent time in Ulster.
15th Infantry Brigade
During 1941, 1st Battalion, Princess Alexandra of Wales' Own Yorkshire Regiment (The Green Howards) served in Northern Ireland based in Omagh, Co. Tyrone.
