War Years Remembered Museum — Attraction in Ballyclare

War Years Remembered

On Thursday the 4th July 2019 The Shed Members had what was a very informative and educational outing to an excellent exhibition called War Years Remembered at Dennison's Industrial Park in Ballyclare.

The exhibition covers both the 1914-1918 First World War and the 1939-1945 Second World War. It also gives accurate insight into life on the Home Front including how women were drafted into supplement workforces such as the construction, farming, engineering, nursing, transport and munitions/ordnance manufacturing. Thus replacing the male workforce who had volunteered or been conscripted to fight in the various campaigns around the world.

Our Guide was David McCallion who suggested that we look at the First World War on the day as he felt that to cram it all into one visit might be a bit ambitious. He gave excellent coverage and an interesting introduction to the build up to and including Irish history prior to the First World War including the parts that Irish Regiments would play in the bloody conflicts that were to come. So it was that our interest was focused on the Great War as the Press of the day called it. The conflict was a bloody war with huge numbers of casualties on both sides. Death and destruction from artillery fire, machine guns and poisonous gas resulted in many casualties never being found and their resting places known only to God. Contagious diseases and conditions also added to the terrible death toll, many heroic deeds occurred with cases of men sacrificing their own lives attempting to save the lives of their friends and comrades.

The Irish Regiments distinguished themselves time and time again with the feats of great valour and personal bravery. Despite heavy losses on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the 36th (Ulster) Division broke through the German Line and held the key positions they had been told to take. Unfortunately the supporting troops on either side were bogged down and could not support the Irish actions, it became necessary to withdraw and ground that had been hard won was lost. In the Battle of the Somme Irish dead were 3,500 a staggering and sad figure.

At Gallipoli the Irish would distinguish themselves yet again in a Campaign that the Anzac troops seem to call their own. The Irish casualties were 2,700 deaths resulting in a (Butchers Bill ) that was almost the same as the New Zealand troops casualties.

In total 40,000 Irishmen died during the First World War and many thousands were injured, resulting in terrible life-changing injuries. To put the number of dead in perspective the population of Newtownabbey in the 2001 Census was 50,000, putting it on a par with the Irish casualties lost in the First World War.

After a thought provoking tour of the Exhibition it was agreed that the tour was well presented and informative. Our Guide had put on a most enlightening commentary which we acknowledged with a round of applause.

We then relaxed with tea and cake and I must say any likeness that the Shed Members had to " Dad's Army " was only a concidence.

A report from "...

Unbelievable experience! What an amazing find this museum is - the years of dedication it must have taken to get this truly wonderful collection together is astounding. The research is personal and heart-felt, a true dedication and remembrance to those who served and for some who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The museum is a simple and easy to understand visual experience. There is a display of WW1 trench life showing equipment and conditions for the men and horses. Then there is the home front covering both World Wars, medals and uniforms, photographs, vehicles, equipment and much more. The volunteers and David made us feel very welcome and went out of their way to give information about the items on display and even allowed us to sit on some of the vehicles! This museum deserves to be in the centre of Belfast and would give a fascinating insight to anyone visiting - so make the...

We visited this collection after reading about it in the news and then hearing from friends that had been. Neither account did it justice. This place is a must visit for everyone. Davey captivates everyone with his knowledge and enthusiasm. His collection is simply amazing. Make time and take time to visit his exhibition - you will honestly not regret a second spent stepping back in time. This is a hidden gem, go, then spread the word as Davey will tell you himself. War Years Remembered brings the story of war to life not to glorify it but to honour those that made the ultimate sacrifice. Make sure you go, make sure you tell others too. Davey will also bust some myths and...