Old comrades Mr. Tommy McIlveen from
Carrickfergus, Mr. Tommy Dickson from Belfast and Mr. Len Larham from
Carrickfergus, met up at the service
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from Bangor Spectator...
It was a time to reflect and talk about old times when veterans of the
Burma Star were honoured in Bangor. More than 30 members of the
Northern Ireland branch, proudly wearing their medals, were welcomed to
the town hall on Saturday by a piper before joining members of North Down
council to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the
association. The Burma Star Medal was awarded to military personnel
who served in Burma during World War Two.
Councillor Austen Lennon, whose father James is
a veteran, said, "Sadly, the men and women who served in Burma were
known as the 'Forgotten Army' I am delighted that the council has
played its part in recognising and remembering all the brave men and
women who served in this horrific theatre of war." The
Northern Ireland branch is one of 48 around the world, it's members came
mostly from the 8th Heavy ACC Regiment which was formed in Belfast.
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CLICK images to enlarge
The Royal Artillery Association
22nd Gala Variety Show.
Thursday 25th February 1971 ABC Cinema Belfast
'Up The Gunners' Yours Harry
Secombe
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No. 14 6th April 2002 This is
to Certify that on the 6th day of April 2002 The Burma Star Association
were elected and admitted as Freemen of the Borough of Newtownabbey, signed
'Slim' James M. Ferguson, M.B.E. Honorary Secretary - signed
'Vera McWilliam, Alderman Mrs. Mayor and signed 'Hu
Kelly' Mr. Hugh Kelly
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This is one banner you were unlikely to see being
swung in the Twelfth parades in Belfast. The chances are that a
few of the men standing proudly beneath were out in their sashes and
regalia. Above is a detail of a snap of 81 Orangemen, all members of the
8th Belfast Heavy Ack-Ack Regiment, who celebrated the day at Ranchi in
India in 1944. Survivors say the banner was brought home to
Ulster
further
photos here
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