The neutral Irish state and Northern Ireland regarded one another warily throughout the opening years of the conflict. An elderly, ailing and "profoundly shocked" Northern Irish prime minister, Lord Craigavon, promptly assured London that “to such treachery to loyal Ulster, I shall never be a party”. Photograph: Belfast City Council/PAIt can now be argued that the most striking impact of the Belfast Blitz was its effect on the people of the south. The number of "Éire" recruits registered by military recruiting authorities in Northern Ireland was over 12,000 during 1941-42. National Museums NI are currently developing a walking tour relating to the Belfast Blitz in partnership with Northern Ireland War Memorial, set to be launched in the coming months.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 16, 2021 17:37 UTC