The 8th Infantry Division departed from the New York
Embarkation Port on December 5, 1943 and arrived at the Belfast Northern
Ireland Port of Debarkation December 12, 1943. The division units were
divided among a 140 ship convoy with many other units, equipment and
supplies..
The 8th was one of a few American units that were stationed in Northern
Ireland during WW2. These units not only cut down on the congestion on the
main British Isle, but relieved the British Army of having to garrison the
area. Although the Republic of Ireland itself was neutral, there was always
a fear it might ally itself with Germany to gain control of all of the
Island.
For most Americans it was a cold, wet place. Quite Rainey
and gloomy compared to what many of the troops were used to. Especially the
ones that had recently been training in the desert.
The cartoon to the left was drawn by an unknown soldier
stationed there illustrating a man slogging through rain and mud back
to the Nissen Huts set up as temporary barracks.
On 1 July 1944 a convoy of 4 troop ships and 12 motor transports
containing the 8th Infantry Division departed Belfast for France. They landed
in Normandy on 4 July 1944.
|
Locations of 8th Infantry Division Units in Ireland
| Town |
Date |
Units |
| Asherbrooke |
15 Dec |
2nd Battalion 121st Infantry |
| Ballynorthlands |
15 Dec |
1st Battalion 121st Infantry |
| Colebrooke |
15 Dec |
3rd Battalion 121st Infantry
Service Co 121st Infantry
Canon Co. 121st Infantry
Medical Detachment 121st Infantry |
| Aughantaine |
22 Dec |
43rd Field Artillery Battalion |
| Aughantine Castle |
9 Dec |
28th Field Artillery Battalion |
| Belleview |
15 Dec |
28th Infantry (minus) |
| Belfast |
15 Dec |
HQ 8th Infantry Division |
| Blessing Bourne |
16 Dec |
8th Division Artillery Hq. |
| 21 Dec |
45th Field Artillery Battalion |
| 27 Dec |
56th Field Artillery Battalion |
| 27 Dec |
708 Ordinance Company |
| Breandon |
16 Dec |
1/28th Infantry |
| 16 Dec |
Service Co. 28th Infantry |
| 16 Dec |
Canon Co 28th Infantry |
| Castle Coole |
16 Dec |
Anti Tank Co. 28th Infantry |
| 16 Dec |
Military Police Platoon |
| 15 Dec |
12th Engineer Battalion |
| 15 Dec |
2nd Battalion 28th Infantry |
| Crom Castle |
16 Dec |
3rd Battalion 28th Infantry |
| Derrygonnelly |
2 Dec |
13th Infantry (minus) |
| Drumcose Estate |
16 Dec |
Co. A 8th Medical Battalion |
| 16 Dec |
Co. B 8th Medical Battalion |
| 16 Dec |
HQ 28th Infantry regiment |
| 15 Dec |
3rd Battalion 13th Infantry |
| Ely Lodge |
16 Dec |
2nd Battalion 13th Infantry |
| Ecclesville House |
15 Dec |
8th Quartermaster Co. |
| Gortaloway |
24 Dec |
8th Signal Company |
| Knockmore House |
15 Dec |
HQ Special Troops |
| 15 Dec |
HQ. Co. 8th Division |
|
15 Dec |
8th Signal Company |
| 26 Jan |
45 HQ. 8th Division |
| Lisgoole Abby |
16 Dec |
8th Medical Bn Minus Co A&B |
| Mount Panther |
15 Dec |
13th Infantry Regiment |
| Omagh |
Dec 8th |
Division Hq |
| Portglenone |
15 Dec |
HQ Co. 121st Infantry |
| 15 Dec |
Anti tank Co 121st Infantry |
| Shadow Camp |
Dec 8th |
Recon Troop (Mech) |
| RANGES |
|
| Carrikawick |
Florence Court |
Gorton |
| Assault Course |
|
| Mayai |
Sleive Beigh |
| Anti Aircraft Artillery Range |
|
| St. Johns Point |
|
|
 |
| Officers of the 3rd Battalion, 28th Infnatry Regiment in
Northern Irleand, thought to be taken at Crom Castle.
Platoon Leader Lt. Turner (at far right) was killed in
Normandy and is burried next to his brother in the cemetary
at Omaha Beach. Platoon Leader Lt. Gawne eventually took
over L Company in Brittany before being severly woudned and
sent home. |
|
