On the eve of the Battle of the Somme, the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army, Remembrance NI takes a look at the origins and purpose of the Ulster Volunteer Force which raised thirteen additional battalions for the three existing Irish regiments based in Ulster; the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, the Royal Irish Fusiliers, and the Royal Irish Rifles. When the 36th (Ulster) Division was relieved on July 2, it had suffered 5,104 casualties of whom approximately 2,069 died. Patrick Diamond from Kilrea died this day June 30, 1916. Belfast Stoker William McGrady was lost when HMS Cheerful struck a mine off the Shetland Islands in 1917. In 1942 two RAF pilots died. Instonian John Badger had won the Sword of Honour at Cranwell. He had shot down eight enemy planes. Seale House at Portadown College claims British Lion Rory Best. The House is called after Squadron Leader William Seale and his brother Theo of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. Veterans include Robert Cramsie of Ballymoney who served with the Northumberland Fusiliers and the North Irish Horse.
Remembrance NI - Every day is a Remembrance Day 