News
Belfast Blitz Commemoration
In April and May 2024, the Northern Ireland War Memorial (NIWM) marked the anniversaries of the air raids on Northern Ireland with three commemorations. Members of the public were invited to attend to pay their respects and to remember those who were killed as a result of enemy action in April and May 1941.
Friday 5 April 2024:
On Friday 5 April 2024, the NIWM marked the anniversary of the air raids on Northern Ireland with a wreath laying ceremony in the museum. The commemoration coincided with the anniversary of the first air raid, the Dockside Raid, which took place on 7/8 April 1941.
A wreath was placed on the Blitz Memorial made by Irish Sculptor Carolyn Mulholland, by the Chairman of the Board, Don Bigger and NIWM Trustee C T Hogg.
Two minutes of silence were observed by staff, trustees and visitors to the museum gallery.
Monday 15 April 2024:
On Monday 15 April 2024, the NIWM marked the anniversary of the Easter Tuesday Raid with a wreath laying ceremony at the mass blitz grave in Milltown Cemetery.
The Easter Tuesday raid took place on 15/16 April 1941, resulting in the loss of over 740 lives in Belfast. Lives were also lost in Bangor, Newtownards and Derry/Londonderry.
In attendance was Pipe Major George Orchin from Campbell College Bugles, Pipes and Drums who performed Abide With Me before two minutes of silence were observed.
Saturday 4 May 2024:
On Saturday 4 May, NIWM marked the anniversary of the Fire Raid with a wreath laying ceremony at the mass blitz grave at Belfast City Cemetery. The Fire Raid took place on 4/5 May 1941, and resulted in the loss of over 200 lives.
Pictured is NIWM Trustee C T Hogg, with invited guest Sandra Abbott who placed a wreath on the memorial in memory of all who lost their lives including her grandmother, Jane Davidson. Jane had been living in 34 Westbourne Street with her 17 year old son, Sandra's father, Samuel Davidson, when on the night of the Fire Raid, their home was destroyed. Jane shielded Samuel with her body and she was killed in the blast, aged 42 years old. Thanks to his mother's sacrifice, Samuel survived.
Pipe Major George Orchin from Campbell College Bugles, Pipes and Drums performed Abide With Me before two minutes of silence was observed.
