Armed Forces In Northern Ireland

A permanent tribute to a Carrickfergus-born Victoria Cross hero will be unveiled at the town’s War Memorial Gardens this Friday (September 28).
James Bell Crichton was bestowed the British Army’s most prestigious military accolade for his incredible courage during the Great War, including facing a barrage of enemy machine gun fire and snipers to remove explosives from a vital bridge, and swimming across a river while under attack to deliver key messages. Earlier this year, c...ouncillors in Mid and East Antrim agreed to the permanent memorial to Private Crichton in recognition of his exemplary service and contribution to the war effort.
John Bell, whose grandfather was Pte Crichton’s cousin, said: “I am very honoured and proud to be related to such a brave and courageous man.” The Mayor, Councillor Lindsay Millar, said: “James Crichton was born in Carrickfergus on 15 July 1879. The bravery and leadership he demonstrated during the First World War was phenomenal and his actions were key to the Hundred Days Offensive, which ultimately led to the cessation of the fighting.” “We are hugely proud of James Crichton, who was one of just eight Victoria Cross recipients from what is now Northern Ireland, during the Great War.” “The installation of a permanent memorial paving stone in memory and honour of James Crichton is a fitting tribute to this inspirational man and will further ensure his story is remembered and celebrated for generations to come.” Pte Crichton was born in Carrickfergus before the family moved to Scotland, where, in later life, Mr Crichton enlisted with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders at Edinburgh Castle and served in the Boer War. He later emigrated to New Zealand and in August 1914 enlisted in the 1st Auckland Regiment, as a Corporal in the New Zealand Army Service Corps. Pte Crichton served in Gallipoli in 1915 and in France as a Company Quartermaster-Sergeant. In April 1918, while serving as a Warrant Officer with the 1st NZ Field Bakery, he voluntarily relinquished his rank and transferred as a Private to the Auckland Infantry Regiment. James Crichton won his Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Crevecoeur, France, on September 30, 1918. The citation read: “Though suffering from a painful wound, he displayed the highest degree of valour and devotion to duty.” He returned to New Zealand in June 1919 and was discharged in September of that year. In 1937 he attended the Coronation of King George VI as a Sergeant in the New Zealand Coronation Contingent. He died on September 27, 1961 and is buried in the Soldiers’ Cemetery at Waikumete, Auckland.
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Thousands turned out and thankfully the weather was kind. A great day for The Royal Irish Regiment

Today the Royal Irish Regiment flag flew over the Titanic quarter as both the 1st and 2nd Battalion paraded to receive their new Queens Colours.
The parade was commanded by Brigadier Mike Murdoch MBE and the Colours were presented by the Regiments Colonel in Chief, HRH the Duke of York. #COLOURS18

Proud day for the Royal Irish Regiment! #COLOURS18
New Colours for the Royal Irish Regiment
The Presentation of new Colours to the 1st and 2nd Battalions of The Royal Irish Regiment took place today at the iconic Titanic Slipways. This is a momentous event which only happens once every 25 years and this is the first time it has taken place in public in Northern Ireland.
... The new Colours were consecrated by The Chaplain General to Her Majesty’s Land Forces, Reverend Dr David Coulter before then being bestowed upon the regiment by the Colonel – in – Chief, His Royal Highness, The Duke of York.
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Faugh a Ballagh #COLOURS18

Today the Royal Irish Regiment received its new 'Colours' from HRH Prince Andrew at The Titanic slipways Belfast.

The crowds have gathered at the Titanic slipway in Belfast. The band is ready. All set for the presentation of the new colours for the Royal Irish regiment #COLOURS18

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Ex. Longwey Finn........204 Field Hospital, based at Hydebank Army Reserve Centre, continue with their care under fire and 'Back to Basics' training at Longmoor Camp in Hampshire.

As part of the requirement of Reserve Field Hospitals in training year, 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital deployed on ACT 18 to Longmoor Camp in Hampshire on exercise Longwey Finn. This exercise will be used as an opportunity to conduct a Field Training Exercise (FTX) to revise and practice Soldier First, 'Back to Basics' skills.

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The Band of the Irish Guards performed a 'pop-up' concert at Cornmarket, Belfast today. The band are here to perform at the Belfast Tattoo this weekend.

we done what we had 2

Love getting all the pics and updates the site is brilliant

Great site from the little I have explored it. I think as a NI vet I think we should have a separate medal for those who served on ops in NI, something the govt should seriously look at. We do not want what happened to the Guys that served in Korea, they were ignored for years.

Great page - very interesting and well done ! quis separabit !

Great day with kids and my father in Antrim. A def for next year.

Brilliant day out that's my kids an mum's dog on the poster above

Amazing turn out great family fun day had a great day well done 2 all involved

we done what we had 2

Love getting all the pics and updates the site is brilliant

Great site from the little I have explored it. I think as a NI vet I think we should have a separate medal for those who served on ops in NI, something the govt should seriously look at. We do not want what happened to the Guys that served in Korea, they were ignored for years.

Great page - very interesting and well done ! quis separabit !

Great day with kids and my father in Antrim. A def for next year.

Brilliant day out that's my kids an mum's dog on the poster above

Amazing turn out great family fun day had a great day well done 2 all involved

we done what we had 2

Love getting all the pics and updates the site is brilliant

Great site from the little I have explored it. I think as a NI vet I think we should have a separate medal for those who served on ops in NI, something the govt should seriously look at. We do not want what happened to the Guys that served in Korea, they were ignored for years.

Great page - very interesting and well done ! quis separabit !

Great day with kids and my father in Antrim. A def for next year.

Brilliant day out that's my kids an mum's dog on the poster above

Amazing turn out great family fun day had a great day well done 2 all involved

we done what we had 2

Love getting all the pics and updates the site is brilliant

Great site from the little I have explored it. I think as a NI vet I think we should have a separate medal for those who served on ops in NI, something the govt should seriously look at. We do not want what happened to the Guys that served in Korea, they were ignored for years.

Great page - very interesting and well done ! quis separabit !

Great day with kids and my father in Antrim. A def for next year.

Brilliant day out that's my kids an mum's dog on the poster above

Amazing turn out great family fun day had a great day well done 2 all involved

we done what we had 2

Love getting all the pics and updates the site is brilliant

Great site from the little I have explored it. I think as a NI vet I think we should have a separate medal for those who served on ops in NI, something the govt should seriously look at. We do not want what happened to the Guys that served in Korea, they were ignored for years.

Great page - very interesting and well done ! quis separabit !

Great day with kids and my father in Antrim. A def for next year.

Brilliant day out that's my kids an mum's dog on the poster above

Amazing turn out great family fun day had a great day well done 2 all involved