On the 31st of May, cadets attended the Commemoration of the
BATTLE OF THE HITLER LINE:
The Hitler Line was a German defensive line in central Italy during the Second World War.
The North Irish Horse Regimental Association and Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry commemorated the Battle of the Hitler Line in May 1944 when they paraded through Carrickfergus on Saturday 31 May.
Soldiers of the North Irish Horse, supporting Canadian infantry, played a prominent part in the Battle of the Hitler Line and many members of what is now B (North Irish Horse) Squadron of The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry died in action during the battle, on 23 May 1944.
The Battle for the Hitler Line was a pivotal event, which breached Nazi defences and paved the way for ultimate victory, but at a terrible cost, with over 1,000 Canadians killed or missing and 34 officers and men of the North Irish Horse Regiment killed, 36 injured and 25 tanks destroyed.
“The unit’s Churchill tanks were integral to the success of Operation Chesterfield by breaching the Hitler Line during the closing months of World War Two.
The North Irish Horse commemorate the battle each year in Carrickfergus, close to the Churchill IV tank which was built in the town during the Second World War. The Churchill tanks were used by the regiment in Europe and often had the names of Ulster towns displayed on their livery.
Laurelhill CCF sponsoring unit is the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry, so it was fitting for the Cadets to be able to attend and take part in the SNIY parade, as an act of remembrance but also living history.
