Northern Notes
By learning more about his father’s life, Adrian has been able to pass his stories down to his own son, introducing him to a grandad he never got the chance to meet, but now knows through the stories Adrian has uncovered. More than anything else, Adrian wants people alive today to be grateful for the sacrifices of all the people who lived during World War II; parents, grandparents, and great grandparents, who gave up their lives to allow us to take for granted the things we do today.
‘While everyone knows Carrick Castle, not everyone is aware of the vital role the town played during the war, few seem to know that it was home to the US Rangers, one of the key regiments on D-Day, storming 100ft cliffs to seize the Pointe De Hoc battery and all that began in Carrickfergus.
‘Everyone who is alive today has a relative who survived World War II, from members of the armed forces who were jumping out of planes, on the front-line risking life and limb, to their families at home bringing up children and keeping the country moving. With limited technology, they exchanged letters or waited for the dreaded telegram notifying them their loved one was killed in action. ‘In those days, they had to stretch rationed food to last the week, grow vegetables to make ends meet, and make do and mend clothes, passing them down to younger generations. There were regular blackouts, soldiers everywhere and difficult times for everyone, filled with worry and anxiety. Sharing these stories highlights how much we take for granted today.
‘I started recounting the significance of Carrickfergus and the stories of its townsfolk to friends and family,’ he continued, ‘and one suggested that I set up a walking tour to share them with local people and visitors. As a result, Lead the Way guided tours were born.’
‘Many people around the world have family who lived locally, served or were evacuated here during the war, and the tour gives them an insight into what life was like at that time and an emotional connection to relatives who lived in Carrickfergus during wartime.
As well as educating people on Carrickfergus, Adrian hopes his tours inspire people to go back to their relatives and encourage them to tell their stories of times gone by, preserving the memories to be passed on to their own children and grandchildren.
‘I hope that these tours will lift the veil and show how the memories of our friends and families are entwined in our common history and ensure the efforts of those who lived through the Second World War endure, and are acknowledged by future generations.’
60 Senior Times l September - October 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie
