These historic photographs offer a glimpse into life at St Patrick’s Barracks in Ballymena during the Second World War, when American servicemen were stationed at the site. Among the images are scenes from an Army Day event held on 6 June 1942, showing activities taking place inside the barracks gymnasium, including a wrestling demonstration and a gathering of military personnel. Another photograph provides a glimpse of the barracks buildings as they appeared during this period. Together, these archive images help document the American military presence in Ballymena and offer a fascinating insight into a largely forgotten chapter of Northern Ireland's wartime history.

Army Day gathering: American servicemen gathered inside the gymnasium at St Patrick’s Barracks during an Army Day event, 6 June 1942. Page follower Clive Moore has kindly sent these to me to show you. He curates and researches the US forces in NI

Army Day gathering: American servicemen gathered inside the gymnasium at St Patrick’s Barracks during an Army Day event, 6 June 1942. Page follower Clive Moore has kindly sent these to me to show you. He curates and researches the US forces in NI

Wrestling demonstration: US Army personnel take part in a wrestling demonstration inside the gymnasium at St Patrick’s Barracks, June 1942. Page follower Clive Moore has kindly sent these to me to show you. He curates and researches the US forces in

Wrestling demonstration: US Army personnel take part in a wrestling demonstration inside the gymnasium at St Patrick’s Barracks, June 1942. Page follower Clive Moore has kindly sent these to me to show you. He curates and researches the US forces in NI

The same gymnasium, photographed during my visit in May 2017. Once filled with American servicemen taking part in an Army Day event in June 1942, the hall had fallen silent. More than seventy years later, the activity and faces had disappeared, leavi

The same gymnasium, photographed during my visit in May 2017. Once filled with American servicemen taking part in an Army Day event in June 1942, the hall had fallen silent. More than seventy years later, the activity and faces had disappeared, leaving only the space and the fading traces of its former life.

Barracks exterior: Historic view of the military accommodation buildings at St Patrick’s Barracks, Ballymena, used by American personnel during the Second World War. Page follower Clive Moore has kindly sent these to me to show you. He curates and r

Barracks exterior: Historic view of the military accommodation buildings at St Patrick’s Barracks, Ballymena, used by American personnel during the Second World War. Page follower Clive Moore has kindly sent these to me to show you. He curates and researches the US forces in NI