Gilford: Second World War

During WWII most of Northern Ireland was a vast training ground for British and American troops, and Gilford and district provided an ideal location for army training.

The town is situated close to the Irish Border, and is within a few miles of Banbridge, Portadown and Lurgan. The main Belfast to Dublin railway line is nearby, and the proximity of the Newry Canal, together with the Bann and Cusher Rivers, local lakes, large wooded estates, undulating hills and country roads meant that Gilford provided an ideal and well camouflaged area, suited to the needs of the army.

About Wartime Gilford

This website has been created in an attempt to document, or at least try to understand the important role Gilford played and the impact of the war years on our small town.

Today the children and youth of those years are grandparents and great-grandparents, and for the majority of people living today, the Second World War is now a distant memory. WWII Veterans are also slowly fading away, as ill health and the years take their toll.

Hopefully this website will provide a source of information for schoolchildren and the younger generation, and serve as a reminder to us all of life in wartime Gilford.