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Two Second World War uniforms have been added to the Newry and Mourne Museum's Costume Collection.
One is an American Army uniform worn by James Quinn, originally from Tullyframe, close to Kilkeel, and the other is a Royal Air Force uniform worn by Bramwell Baird, from Newry.
Bramwell Baird joined the Royal Air force at the age of 17. He was initially trained in radar before receiving training on bomb targeting equipment, directing ‘pathfinders’, which improved bombing accuracy. Whilst stationed in Europe, Baird sustained a serious head injury and was sent to England where he recuperated in hospital for nearly a year, before returning to Newry in 1946, where he lived until his death in 1993.
James Quinn emigrated to America in 1927. From 1943 until 1945 he served with the American Army in the 563rd Motor Ambulance Company and was involved in their advance across Europe into Germany. In 1950 James returned to Kilkeel where he opened a shop and bought a farm in Corcreaghan townland. He lived there until his death in 1975.
Members of the Baird and Quinn families recently attended the launch of the display at Newry and Mourne Museum. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason, who also attended the event, thanked the families for the donation. She said, “The impact of World War II is a significant aspect of our local history and the donation of the two uniforms will make a valued contribution to the museum.”
Museum Curator, Noreen Cunningham said: “The uniforms each have a poignant and interesting story behind them and they are now a very important part of our Costume Collection”.
Newry and Mourne Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm, admission is free.
For more information phone 0330 137 4422 or email museum@nmandd.org.
