Carrickfergus played a vital yet often overlooked role in World War II as the birthplace of the elite 1st US Army Ranger Battalion. Formed in 1942 at Sunnylands Camp, the unit—later known as “Darby’s Rangers”—underwent intense training inspired by British Commandos and became the first US ground force to fight in the European theatre. A permanent memorial now honours their legacy in Carrickfergus.
While Carrickfergus boasts a rich history, its crucial role during World War II remains underrepresented. One of its most significant contributions came with the formation of the 1st US Army Ranger Battalion—an elite unit inspired by the British Commandos and forged on local soil.
After the attack on Pearl Harbour, American forces rapidly mobilised to support the Allies. On 26th January 1942, the first US troops landed in Belfast. Over 300,000 American soldiers were eventually stationed across Northern Ireland, with many posted in Ballymena, Ballycastle, and notably Carrickfergus.
In Carrickfergus, US troops were based at Sunnylands Camp, a sprawling installation just north of the railway line. The camp extended from North Road to near Salthill, covering approximately 4 hectares. Featuring Nissen huts and a large training area, Sunnylands became a key strategic hub. Local accounts suggest German POWs may also have been held there, though official records are scarce.
Soon after arriving in Northern Ireland, Major General Lucian Truscott began planning a US unit modelled on the British Commandos. With approval from General George Marshall, the concept was greenlit, and the 1st Ranger Battalion was officially born.
Captain William O. Darby, a West Point graduate with extensive amphibious training, was selected to lead the new unit. Promoted to Major, he began recruiting volunteers across Northern Ireland. Out of more than 1,500 hopefuls, only 600 elite soldiers—primarily from the 34th Infantry Division—passed the rigorous selection at Sunnylands.
On 19th June 1942, Company A, 1st Ranger Battalion, was formally activated at Sunnylands Camp. The men, now known as “Darby’s Rangers”, would go on to become one of the most respected fighting forces in the war.
Shortly after activation, the battalion relocated to Achnacarry, Scotland, to undergo British Commando training. Overseen by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Vaughan, the training was extreme, involving live ammunition exercises. Only 500 Rangers completed the brutal regime, with some casualties recorded during the course.
On 19th August 1942, the Rangers joined Canadian and British forces in the ill-fated Dieppe Raid. During the mission, Lieutenant Edward Vincent Loustalot became the first American soldier to die in combat in Europe after assuming command from a fallen British officer.
Darby was rapidly promoted, eventually achieving the rank of Colonel. He returned to Europe in March 1945, this time leading in Italy. Tragically, he was killed by German shellfire near Trento on 30th April 1945. He was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General and is buried at Fort Smith National Cemetery, Arkansas.
The 1st Ranger Battalion has been reactivated several times since WWII and continues to serve today, now based at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. In 1992, a permanent Rangers Memorial was unveiled at Sunnylands in Carrickfergus, with original veterans in attendance.
The last known surviving member of the original unit, Lester Bernard Cook, passed away on 9th August 2020 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Carrickfergus is officially recognised as the birthplace of the US Army Rangers. In 1942, the 1st Ranger Battalion was formed at Sunnylands Camp in the town, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most elite forces in the US military.
US troops landed in Belfast on 26th January 1942, just over a month after the United States entered World War II. Carrickfergus was one of several towns where they were stationed.
The unit began its selection and formation at Sunnylands Camp in Carrickfergus. They then moved to Achnacarry, Scotland, to undergo intensive commando training with British forces.
Captain William Orlando Darby, later promoted to Colonel, was selected to lead the unit. His passion for the British commando model helped shape the Rangers into an elite fighting force.
Out of more than 1,500 volunteers, only 600 soldiers were selected following rigorous trials at Sunnylands Camp. Most came from the 34th Infantry Division, also known as the “Red Bulls.”
The training was extremely intense, including live-fire exercises, physical endurance challenges, and survival drills. It took place under British supervision and pushed soldiers to their absolute limits.
Their first deployment was during the Dieppe Raid on 19th August 1942, where they joined British and Canadian forces. Sadly, Ranger Lt. Edward Loustalot became the first US soldier to die in action in Europe during the raid.
Though not officially recorded, many local residents recall seeing German prisoners of war at Sunnylands during the later years of the war, possibly U-boat crew members captured at sea.
Yes. In 1992, a permanent US Rangers Memorial was unveiled at Sunnylands in Carrickfergus, with original Rangers in attendance to honour their wartime legacy.
Absolutely. The unit has since evolved into the 75th Ranger Regiment, with the 1st Battalion currently based at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia, and remains an elite component of the modern US Army.
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