North Irish Horse battle honour to be recalled

The North Irish Horse Regimental Association and Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry will commemorate the Battle of the Hitler Line in May 1944 when they parade through Carrickfergus on Saturday 31 May.

The Hitler Line was a German defensive line in central Italy during the Second World War.

Soldiers of the North Irish Horse, supporting Canadian infantry, played a prominent part in the Battle of the Hitler Line and many members of what is now B (North Irish Horse) Squadron of The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry died in action during the battle, on 23 May 1944.

The Battle for the Hitler Line was a pivotal event, which breached Nazi defences and paved the way for ultimate victory, but at a terrible cost, with over 1,000 Canadians killed or missing and 34 officers and men of the North Irish Horse Regiment killed, 36 injured and 25 tanks destroyed.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman William McCaughey, said: “We are honoured to be hosting this event, which marks the incredible contribution of the North Irish Horse, who Council previously bestowed the Freedom of the Borough on.

“It is important that we remember and reflect on one of the hardest-fought battles in the history of a local regiment.

“Council is supporting the annual commemoration of the Battle of the  Hitler Line on behalf of the North Irish Horse Regimental Association, and we will be remembering the 34 members of what is now B (North Irish Horse) Squadron of The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry who died in action during the battle on May 23, 1944.

“The unit’s Churchill tanks were integral to the success of Operation Chesterfield by breaching the  Hitler Line during the closing months of World War Two.

“The bravery of all those involved in the battle still resonates within our community, and I welcome our residents to join us to reflect on their sacrifice.”

The commemoration in Carrickfergus will bring members of the North Irish Horse Squadron from Northern Ireland and Scotland, and the Regimental Association, to the town and will start with a parade from the Castle slip-road onto Marine Highway and towards Joymount.  Members of the public wishing to view the parade should muster at High Street/Joymount from 10.30am.

The parade will process to the War Memorial, where a short commemoration will take place.

Residents should note that Joymount car park will be closed from 6pm on Friday 30 May until after the event Saturday afternoon.

In 2016 the members of B (North Irish Horse) Squadron of the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry had the Freedom of the Borough conferred on them in recognition of the longstanding connections with the area.

The North Irish Horse commemorate the battle each year in Carrickfergus, close to the Churchill IV tank which was built in the town during the Second World War. The Churchill tanks were used by the regiment in Europe and often had the names of Ulster towns displayed on their livery.

The Churchill tank, which was operated by the North Irish Horse in World War Two, is currently having its paint refreshed in advance of the commemoration ceremony at the War Memorial.