George Horner: Freedom of the Borough honour for Carrick World War II veteran on 99th birthday

Sergeant George Horner said it was a huge honour to be awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

It was officially conferred on his 99th birthday during a special ceremony at Carrickfergus Town Hall on Friday (March 27).

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, commended Sergeant Horner’s distinguished military service and lifelong dedication to Carrickfergus and the wider community.

“Sergeant George Horner has given exemplary service to his country and has remained a figure of great respect within Carrickfergus,” he said.

“This award – which we are delighted to present on his 99th birthday - formally recognises and honours the incredible service and sacrifice he gave.

"The Freedom of the Borough is the highest civic honour council can confer, and it is fitting that Sergeant Horner should receive this recognition. We are proud to celebrate his legacy and ensure his contribution is remembered for generations to come.”

Sergeant Horner said he was “deeply honoured” to receive the Freedom of the Borough. “It means a great deal to me to be recognised in this way,” he said.

“I would like to thank council for organising this very special event and I can think of no better way to mark my 99th birthday.”

The son of George and Elizabeth Horner (nee Clawson), George was born on March 27 1927 and lived at Cork Hill, Carrickfergus. His father, a tailor, had served in the First World War. Of his six brothers, two also served with the RAF and one with the Royal Navy.

George joined the army in 1944 and, after initial training in Omagh, County Tyrone, went to Catterick camp in Yorkshire, where he was trained in Morse code and became a signaller.

He served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles and was just 17 years old when he landed on Sword Beach in Normandy on June, 6 1944.

George went on to become president of the Carrickfergus branch of the Royal British Legion. His legacy, council stated, reflects a life of service, sacrifice and steadfast commitment to his country and community.

Elected members agreed on bestowing the award in October 2025 in recognition of his incredible service and sacrifice. It followed a Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Marc Collins and seconded by Alderman Billy Ashe MBE.

Councillor Collins said: "It was a privilege to bring forward this Notice of Motion to honour Sergeant Horner. His courage, his service, and his lifelong commitment to Carrickfergus represents the very best of our community.

"While no award or honour can ever match his immense sacrifice, presenting George with the Freedom of the Borough on his 99th birthday is not only fitting, but deeply deserved."

Veterans Champion, Alderman Ashe said: “I am deeply grateful for George’s courageous service during World War II and for his contribution to the local community through the British Legion and other avenues over the years. He is an inspirational leader and a gentleman, and it has been my pleasure to call him a friend.”