12 fantastic photos of Carrickfergus during World War Two

By Helena McManus

Published 9th May 2025, 15:11 BST

Updated 12th May 2025, 10:37 BST

To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we take a look at these fantastic photos of World War II era Carrickfergus – courtesy of Carrickfergus Museum.

The collection of images range from the distribution of gas masks by the Red Cross to the US Rangers at Sunnylands Camp.

Images are not to be reproduced without the permission of Carrickfergus Museum.

‘Salute the soldier’ Home Guard parade, 13th May 1944, High Street Carrickfergus.

1. WWII

‘Salute the soldier’ Home Guard parade, 13th May 1944, High Street Carrickfergus. Photo: Carrickfergus Museum

Air Raid shelters, Carrickfergus Castle. The Larne ARP Group was established in 1937, encompassing the area of Larne, Carrickfergus and Whitehead (approximately 40,000 people). It was the first to be established in Ulster. The castle was fitted out to provide air raid shelters. In total, eight rooms were converted, with room for 50 people in each. The Ministry of Public Security said they were ‘the safest [shelters] in Northern Ireland’. The council erected a further eight shelters around the town and the gas works even had its own shelter.

2. WWII

Air Raid shelters, Carrickfergus Castle. The Larne ARP Group was established in 1937, encompassing the area of Larne, Carrickfergus and Whitehead (approximately 40,000 people). It was the first to be established in Ulster. The castle was fitted out to provide air raid shelters. In total, eight rooms were converted, with room for 50 people in each. The Ministry of Public Security said they were ‘the safest [shelters] in Northern Ireland’. The council erected a further eight shelters around the town and the gas works even had its own shelter. Photo: Graham Walton

Robert Bodequin (right) was one of the young volunteers, just 17 years old who arrived in Carrickfergus in February 1945, having been evacuated from Belgium. They were sent to the military base at Prospect House, Woodburn Road, given second-hand military uniforms and formed into the 3rd Brigade Belgian Army. The men were befriended by many of the townspeople and were very well treated. This is one of several images donated to the museum by Nicole Bodequin who wanted to retrace her father’s footsteps, recalling how he always had fond memories of his time in the area.

3. WWII

Robert Bodequin (right) was one of the young volunteers, just 17 years old who arrived in Carrickfergus in February 1945, having been evacuated from Belgium. They were sent to the military base at Prospect House, Woodburn Road, given second-hand military uniforms and formed into the 3rd Brigade Belgian Army. The men were befriended by many of the townspeople and were very well treated. This is one of several images donated to the museum by Nicole Bodequin who wanted to retrace her father’s footsteps, recalling how he always had fond memories of his time in the area. Photo: Carrickfergus Museum

Ulster Home Guard Carrickfergus No. 6 Platoon. The Ulster Home Guard was formed to counter the threat of German invasion. Volunteering required a considerable commitment in time, attending training – drill, rifle practice and set piece exercises - and involved a number of duties. Local recruits were trained to use the anti-aircraft batteries at Neills Lane and Kilroot Fort as weekend relief for the regular soldiers.

4. WWII

Ulster Home Guard Carrickfergus No. 6 Platoon. The Ulster Home Guard was formed to counter the threat of German invasion. Volunteering required a considerable commitment in time, attending training – drill, rifle practice and set piece exercises - and involved a number of duties. Local recruits were trained to use the anti-aircraft batteries at Neills Lane and Kilroot Fort as weekend relief for the regular soldiers. Photo: Carrickfergus Museum