New publication launched on Greenisland and Carrickfergus Home Guard

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Peter Johnston was delighted to meet author Sean MacIntyre at Carrickfergus Civic Centre and Museum and be the first to get a look at his new book focussing on our local Home Guard ‘Dad’s Army’ during World War Two.

“Forgotten Service: The story of Greenisland and Carrickfergus Home Guard” has been published by Carrickfergus & District Historical Society in partnership with Carrickfergus Museum.

This insightful and important piece of work is a culmination of many years research by the author, Sean MacIntyre, a Historical Society member himself.

The account draws heavily on interviews with former Home Guard volunteers and describes their exploits, training, exercises and organisation.

It also provides lists of membership of each of the eight platoons that made up the Carrickfergus Home Guard Company.

The book includes individual, platoon and company photographs of many of the Home Guard volunteers, illustrating the Forgotten Service of these men during wartime.

Mayor Peter Johnston, who has a deep interest in the heritage of our Borough, reflected on the significance of this piece of work.

“It is important for us to continue to remember the significant role played by these men and all of the people who contributed to the war effort. We are very proud of this and should take every opportunity to celebrate as well as commemorate this period in our collective history.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr MacIntyre for his endeavours and wish him and the Historical Society every success with the publication, and that it does indeed remind people of this forgotten service.”

Speaking of his endeavours, the author Sean, said: “I hope that this book, with its publication in the year of the 80th anniversary of the formation of the Ulster Home Guard, will give some recognition of the commitment these men gave to serving their community during very dark times. I am deeply grateful to the Historical Society and Museum for publishing my work and bringing it to the wider public”.

Chair of Carrickfergus & District Historical Society, Helen Rankin, was also present at the meeting.

She added: “The Society would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our member Sean MacIntyre to the task of interviewing, recording and researching the men of the Greenisland and Carrickfergus Home Guard Units.

"We are delighted to be able to publish this work promoting interest in our local history and engaging wider audiences in the community.”

To purchase a copy of Forgotten Service: The story of Greenisland and Carrickfergus Home Guard contact T: 02893358247. Or E: Carrickfergushistoricalsociety@gmail.com. Price £12 + £2P&P