Local Royal Irish Reservists mark D-Day

Lieutenant Colonel Owen Lyttle and RSM Darren Clarke, of 2 Royal Irish laying a wreath at the 2 RUR memorial at Cambes.

During their visit they took time to revisit the battlefields and commemorate the part played by The Royal Ulster Rifles 70 years ago. The Royal Ulster Rifles had the distinction of being the only British Army Regiment to have a battalion land on the beaches, while another battalion landed by air using gliders.

The Army Reservists from the 2nd joined by Regular Army soldiers from their sister battalion, 1 Royal Irish, based at Ternhill, Shropshire. The Royal Ulster Rifles is an antecedent regiment of The Royal Irish Regiment, and two of the current 2 Royal Irish Army Reserve Companies can trace their heritage back to 6th Battalion The Royal Ulster Rifles (TA).

Commanding Officer 2RI Reserve, Lieutenant Colonel Owen Lyttle, originally from Co Londonderry, said: “The Normandy battlefield study has allowed personnel to research and consider some of the battles that took place in Normandy during D-Day and after. Personnel have been able stand on the same ground as their predecessors, and think about the challenges. By comparing current tactics and training, they have been able to draw out useful lessons for future conflicts.

Members of 2RUR digging in on Sword Beach on June 6, 1944.

“During the visit we have had a focus on The Royal Ulster Rifles involvement in D-Day, in particular the battles by 1 RUR at Longueval and 2 RUR at Cambes. We also took the opportunity to lay wreaths and hold short commemoration services at the RUR memorials at

each site. It has been important part of the visit to remember those who have gone before us and fought courageously for the cause of freedom.

“We also used the study as an opportunity to integrate more with our paired Regular battalion, 1 Royal Irish. What better way than to retrace the steps of the 1stBattalions of The Royal Ulster Rifles during the Normandy landings.

“Although The Royal Ulster Rifles traditionally recruited from Counties Antrim and Down, the service of County Londonderry soldiers in the RUR is sadly evident when visiting the cemeteries in Normandy and across North West Europe. It has been sobering to come across the graves of young soldiers from my local area back home where I grew up, but in their case they never got to go home. Hopefully our acts of remembrance ensure their sacrifice is not forgotten.”

If you are interested in finding out more about the Army Reserve Infantry and the 2ndBattalion The Royal Irish Regiment then telephone 028 92260042, or text INFO to 07920 232380.