Ballymena man’s tribute to US Forces

Ballymena man James G Brown has marked the 70th anniversary of the stationing of American troops at Toome Aerodrome during World War Two by laying a wreath at the site.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Dec 2013, 11:10 BST
Ballymena man James G Brown lays a wreath on the 70th Anniversary of American Troops being stationed at Toome Aerodrome N. Ireland during World War Two.Ballymena man James G Brown lays a wreath on the 70th Anniversary of American Troops being stationed at Toome Aerodrome N. Ireland during World War Two.
Ballymena man James G Brown lays a wreath on the 70th Anniversary of American Troops being stationed at Toome Aerodrome N. Ireland during World War Two.

James’s father, William J Stewart of California, was among those who served with the United States Air Force here.

The American troops landed in Belfast in 1942 and many were stationed, as was James’ father, at Toome Aerodrome in 1943. Now inconspicuous and rather dilapidated, the former aerodrome still bears the hallmark of its war-time history in the form of an American flag on the building that served as the US Head-Quarters Company in Toome.

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As Memorial/Remembrance day services were held across the world James laid his wreath as he does every year honouring his father and all American servicemen and women who served here during WW11. James extended thanks to the farmer who kindly gives his permission each year for the wreath laying on his land.

Related topics:BallymenaBelfast