​US Rangers ‘Lead The Way’ in poignant anniversary museum visit

US Rangers have been tracing the steps of their predecessors in a special visit to a museum specially dedicated to the battalion in Carrickfergus.

As part of a film that’s currently in production, a group of recent veterans are re-tracing the original US Rangers epic journey to D-Day.

The film spans the last 75 years and covers everything about the United States Army Rangers and Paratroopers of WWII.

As part of the documentary, US Ranger veterans are visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Normandy, Guinness Brewery and the US Rangers Museum in Carrickfergus.

The museum is dedicated to the men of the first battalions of the US Rangers, formed at Sunnylands Camp in Carrickfergus in June 1942. The elite American commando-style force was set up during World War Two (WWII) and remains the only US military unit to be formed on foreign soil.

The newly refurbished museum tells the story of how the US Rangers came to Carrickfergus and what they did when they were here to get them war ready. There are a number of artefacts on display including the ‘Pocket Guide to Northern Ireland’ that the troops who passed through here were given to fit in with the locals.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Maureen Morrow welcomed the visitors: “The Rangers will always have a special place in the hearts and minds of all the residents of Carrickfergus. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is proud to continue the Ranger legacy and its connection to the town. 25 years ago, returning veterans were encouraged to donate their memorabilia and tell their personal stories on a promise that council would care for them, keeping the memory of their contributions alive.

“On behalf of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, I am delighted that we are able to continue to honour our commitment to the US Rangers, through the complete refurbishment of our museum dedicated to the Ranger story.”

The US Rangers Museum is located beside Andrew Jackson Cottage, which is reopening soon after a £250k refurbishment.