Groomsport and World War 2
Find out about Groomsport’s War Memorial at:
https://discovergroomsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/War-Memorial-v1a.pdf
Find out about Groomsport’s War Memorial at:
https://discovergroomsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/War-Memorial-v1a.pdf
Robert Waterson (1913-1999), third from the right, served on the aircraft carrier HMS Courageous which sank after being torpedoed by a German U-boat, off the south-west coast of Ireland, on 17th September 1939. 519 lives were lost.
0236 Newspaper cutting supplied by Perry Moore
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0126 Photograph supplied by Perry Moore
If you have more information about this photo please contact discovergroomsport@gmail.com mentioning the four digit number above.
These Wrens served in Bangor before D-Day in 1944. This photograph includes Nellie Waterson, in the middle row.
0186 Photograph supplied by Ann Blachford
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These Wrens served in Bangor before D-Day in 1944. This photograph includes Maureen Oughton (later Lightbody) in the middle of the front row and Nellie Waterson, on the right of the front row.
0187 Photograph supplied by Ann Blachford
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Able Seaman Sam McDowell, a member of a Groomsport seafaring family, served in the merchant navy in WW2 and afterwards. 1953 he served on SS Gothic which took the young Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on a Royal Tour of Australia and New Zealand.
0208 Photograph supplied by Julie Crawford
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Rev MacManaway, a Church of Ireland minister, served as a chaplain to the Royal Navy. He later became chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II.
While he was serving in World War II, Mrs MacManaway lived on The Hill with her two young daughters. One of her daughters, Maureen, returned to live in the village as the wife of the minister of Presbyterian Church – Rev David Irwin.
0282 Photograph supplied by Maureen Irwin
Stan Williams, John Robilliard and Arthur Moulson were members of the Royal Emngineers who were stationed at Groomsport House from 1940 to 1943. They are pictured outside the Gate Lodge of the Groomsport House Hotel.
0294 Photograph supplied by Ruth Fee
Former Royal Engineer, John Robilliard and his wife Rhoda are pictured outside the Gate Lodge of the Groomsport House hotel.
0295 Photograph supplied by Ruth Fee
Arthur Moulson, John Robilliard and Stan Williams were photographed by the County Down Spectator outside the Groomsport House hotel.
The Spectator article can be accessed here.
0296 Photograph supplied by Ruth Fee
Arthur Moulson was in the Royal Engineers Regiment and had been stationed at Groomsport House from 1940 to 1943.
0297 Photograph supplied by Ruth Fee.
This is an extract from Arthur Moulson’s Army Service and Pay Book. He enlisted at Liverpool on 28th September 1939. less that a month after the War started.
0298 Photograph supplied by Ruth Fee.
0299 Photograph supplied by Ruth Fee
