Killead WWII Memorial Plaque Unveiled to Honour Civilian Lives Lost

Some of the wreckage was thrown into a nearby hangar where members of the Ground Defence Force were rehearsing a funeral march, resulting in thirteen additional casualties.

Although memorials were later erected on the base for the military personnel who died, there has never been a memorial to the civilian casualties - until now. A new memorial plaque has now been unveiled on the Tully Road in Killead to commemorate the six civilian women who tragically lost their lives.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of historian Andy Glenfield, who worked alongside Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, their names have finally been honoured:

• Mary Mulholland, Aldergrove
• Brigid McGarry, The Largy, Crumlin
• Annie Watson, Pernau Street, Belfast
• Margaret Castles, Blaris Road, Lisburn
• Elizabeth Osborne, Ballymacateer, Lurgan
• Annie Violet Shaw Crozier, Farnham Street, Belfast

Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Julie Gilmour, who attended the unveiling said:

“This plaque stands not only as a tribute to the memory of these six women, but also ensures that their contribution is finally recognised after so many years. On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank historian Andy Glenfield for his dedicated work with the Council to make this possible and for helping to ensure that these women will never be forgotten.”

Lest We Forget. We remember their sacrifice.