Photo Credit: Killymoon Castle
In Northern Ireland, Killymoon Castle holds a secret legacy from World War II. Its dark cellars, once bustling with American GIs, now stand silent, their walls etched with the poignant echoes of soldiers preparing for D-Day. From December 1943 to February 1944, the castle was a pivotal base for the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the US Army.
As the war raged, over 300,000 American troops were deployed to Northern Ireland. Killymoon Castle, just outside Cookstown, became a temporary home for more than 600 of these soldiers. Many were elite paratroopers, whose fates were intertwined with the historic operation that would come to be known as D-Day.
The castle’s cellars, which once served as a prison cell, a mess room, and an armoury, are now a time capsule. The messages left behind by the soldiers—names, dates of birth, regiment details, and even caricatures—offer a glimpse Into their lives and hopes. Among the scribbles, a pencil drawing of Adolf Hitler stands out, a stark reminder of the enemy they faced.
One name, in particular, tells a story that transcends time: “P.T – Tony J. Vickery 505 Prcht. Inf, U.S. Army, Atlanta, GA”. Tony Vickery, known as “the milk bar commando” for his love of milkshakes, was an 18-year-old paratrooper. His journey from Georgia to the skies of Normandy, where he would ultimately fall, is a narrative of courage and youth cut short.
Local historian Clarke Hill, along with World War II enthusiast Andy Glenfield, has worked to unearth these stories. Their dedication ensures that the legacy of the American soldiers at Killymoon is not forgotten. Artefacts, handbooks, and photographs from the era, including images of troops playing baseball on the castle’s front lawn, have been preserved.
Today, Killymoon Castle opens its doors to the public, inviting visitors to step back in time. The handwritten messages, preserved for over eight decades, serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom. As we walk through the castle, the walls speak, reminding us of the human cost of war and the indomitable spirit of the soldiers who once called it home.
In remembering the past, Killymoon Castle not only honors the memory of the fallen but also educates future generations. It stands as a monument to history, a place where the whispers of the past meet the promise of tomorrow.
