D-Day landings service held in Carrickfergus

Organised by the Royal British Legion, the event began in Fort William and finishes in Portsmouth on May 31, with Carrickfergus the nominated port for Northern Ireland.

The pipes played during the D-Day landings by Bill Millin, Lord Lovat’s legendary piper, are being carried for the duration of the voyage.

The pipes arrived from Cairnryan and were transported by TSDY ILMATAR, along with visiting veterans, from Belfast to Carrickfergus.

Carrickfergus Marina, together with Belfast Lough Sailability, Carrickfergus Sea Cadets, Carrickfergus Sailing Club and the Army Sailing Association supported the RBL with the event.

Carrick RBL Chaplain, Pastor Sam Grant led a short service out on the water, where wreath laying took place before vessels were piped back into the harbour.

The Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Joan Christie and councillors in their robes of office joined representatives from the Forces and Merchant Services at the commemoration.

A number of Normandy veterans were also involved including Cyril N Alley (88), Royal Navy; John Shanahan (93), Royal Ulster Rifles Veteran of the D-Day Sword Beach landings and Frank Ferguson (90) Veteran of RAF 264 Night Fighter Squadron, based at Pecauville Airfield.

(Full coverage in Carrick Times, on sale Wednesday, May 14 2014.)