Available in Carleton's newsagents and other shops in Bushmills
Sunday, 17 January 2016
Tuesday, 12 January 2016
Ballycastle in WWII - US and Belgian bases
UPDATED 21.01.2016
I've just received the following email. If anyone can help please contact me at nalilblog@gmail.com
Sir,
I am aware that both the United States Army and later the Belgian Army were based in Ballycastle during the Second World War.
The United States Army had their Field Force Replacement Depot 6 in Ballycastle. and were accompanied by Company I of 3 Battalion, 118 Infantry Regiment.
The Belgian Army retained Bren Carriers and Heavy Weapons at Ballycastle.
I would like very much to know where abouts these Units were based.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Andy
US Army/Army Air Force: Units from UK Station List
(as of 30 April 1944)
Bally Castle Field Force Replacement Depot 6, Casual Detachment 24 Antrim, NI D1342
Ballybog(y) 4010 Quartermaster Truck Company Antrim, NI (C9?3?) BLANK
Ballybog(y) 4010 Quartermaster Truck Company Antrim, NI (C9?3?) BLANK
Ballymoney Field Force Replacement Depot 6, Casual Detachment 23 Antrim, NI C9526
Ballymoney Quartermaster Depot Q–111, Quartermaster Sub Depot Antrim, NI C9526
Ballymoney 553 Quartermaster Railhead Company Antrim, NI C9526
Peter Molloy, a Ballycastle local historian, writes:
"Think the Belgians were here before the Yanks. The man who could have told us all about the wartime visitors was Armando Bertuccelli, I remember him saying he had collected cap badges from every regiment stationed in Ballycastle, and there were quite a few. The Yanks were billeted in the Quay Rd Playing Fields, probably in tents for the ordinary GI. When I was a kid in the 50's you could still see the concrete bases of Nissen huts on the mound where the modern flower beds are, they were probably for washrooms toilets and kitchens. Officers mess was in several private houses on Quay Rd. NCOs mess was in the Manor House factory wing. Troops were also billeted in Derganagh House grounds, now High School Playing Fields. and out at Corrymeela and on my Anderson ancestors farm across the road from it. One theory for the American presence was that they were using White Park Bay as a practice landing site for the D-Day invasion, as it was similar to one of the invasion beaches. They jived the night away in the Dalriada Hall, Barney Wilson's Dance Hall where Spences shop is now. And Paddy Duffin opened a coffee bar/ice cream parlour for them on Ann St, now subsumed into McCaughan's chemist."
Added 20 January 2016
A Ballycastle friend very kindly sent me scans of a photo and the names on the reverse:
The boys from Company L
John Holbrook has sent me a list and a map of some of the US army locations on the north side of Ballycastle:
This area was very rural during WW2.
Map is based on WW2 period but using current house nos., developments, etc.,etc. to show locations,etc.
5 Clare [Pk.] Road- Dunaneanie- Holbrook Family home.
45 North St. [Quay Hill]-Kenmara Ho.-White Lodge- troops stationed here.
3 Rathlin Rd.[New Rd.]- Rath-Ushard. -troops stationed here.
Lir Court - [ Kathleen Boyd's,-Greer's Field.] - used as rifle and weapon range.
These notes are from family oral history
Added 26.01.2016
I've found the first three names on the back of the photo in US military records enlisting at Fort George G Meade, Maryland on 25 March 1942. Perhaps I'll be able to confirm that these three are indeed the young men in the photo. The records show a Stephen John Wilcosky from Fayette, PA, a Harold Philip Seaholm from Westmoreland, PA and a William H Weaver from Washington, PA. I've also been told that Malkin's first name was David.
Friday, 11 December 2015
Bushmills - Santa's Horse and Pony Charity Parade - Saturday, December 12 @ 12:30 pm
Ballycastle and Rural Riding Community are holding their annual charity Santa parade this year in Bushmills.
The event will take place on Saturday, December 12, at 12.30pm. Horses, ponies and dogs, riders and handlers will be dressed in festive attire.
The parade will assemble on the Castlecatt Road and proceed through the town to the Causeway Road, stopping for a short time in the Diamond area, returning to the assembly point. A street collection will take place and all proceeds of this collection will be going to the MS Unit of Dalriada Hospital.
This will be the third annual Santa parade, but the first in Bushmills.
It is hoped that the local community will come out and support this parade, by dressing up for the festive season. Bring dogs along and dress them up. There will be prizes for the dogs as well as the horses.
Last October, the local hospital in Ballycastle was under threat of closure. Any monies raised in this event will be going directly to the MS Unit. The MS unit is a much needed facility in the local area. The local horse riding community felt it was fitting this year to do a charity ride where the money raised would be used in the local area.
A spokesperson for the event said: “We would like the local community involved in this event. If you are a horse owner/rider come along and join in in the parade. Dress your horse up and yourself. Dog owners. Come along with your dog, dress it up for the season along with yourself. There will be prizes for the best dressed dog, young rider and horse and overall winner. Santa has promised that he hopes to be in attendance.”
Any enquiries contact Patrick Traynor, chairman, Ballycastle and Rural Riding Community, on 07719 677 361.
Regional MS Centre, Ballycastle
Friday, 4 December 2015
Carols at the Roddens, Ballymoney - Wednesday, December 9 - #SaveTheRoddens
Last year it was #SaveThe Dal;
this year it's #SaveTheRoddens
Carols at the Roddens
On Wednesday the 9th of December at 6:30pm, we invite everyone in the community to join us for an evening of carol singing outside the Roddens care home.
We would love to see a big turn out at our last event of 2015.
Let's continue to speak out (and sing out) for those who cannot speak out for themselves.
#savetheroddens
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