On Rangers - Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, Darby Ranger Presentation October 2017

On Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland – Home of Darby’s Rangers, the First Ranger Battalion

A few years ago a friend of mine, now military lawyer, from Weapons Squad, B/Co, 2/75, and a Panama vet, put me in touch with Shirin Murphy, who is the Collections Access Officer of the museum and civic centre, notably the US Rangers Centre in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, because they sought help with refurbishing the interior of the Rangers museum. I provided a few photos for that and their collection. I was delighted that they were able to use some of them.

Eventually, I donated the onionskins of James Altieri’s book on his experiences as a Darby Ranger from its foundation in 1942 to its destruction and subsequent disbandment in 1944 called The Spearheaders. You should also know that a number of surviving Rangers joined the American-Canadian First Special Service Force known as the Black Devils by the Germans – “Schwarzer Teufel.” In case you don’t know about the first American Rangers/commandos of World War II take a quick look at their history. It has been my experience that a lot of old-timers’ estates donated to the Ranger Regiment or museums ended up in the hands of unscrupulous Rangers. I knew Altieri’s onionskins would be in safe hands.

I was invited, along with other far more notable individuals – a lot of PhDs, to a presentation about Americans in Northern Ireland during WW2, and I was asked to do one on Darby’s Rangers. It was rather lengthy – probably two to three times the length of other presenters, because Darby Rangers along with the 18th century Rogers’ Rangers are my favorite . So I put together a PowerPoint presentation, feeling very much like a staff officer doing so, and used various images I either had or scoured on the internet – some are from Phil Stern’s collection (more on him later, especially on the preservation of the photos he took of Darby and his Rangers), Gary Zaboly (a great Rogers’ Rangers historian and artist), and others. I also included some old timers’ thoughts and notebook entries that were pertinent to the story – I was particularly fond of Darby Ranger Gino Mercuriali – a really great man – I’d say I had a man-crush on him - he occupies the last image at the end of this post. 

I  had to go through the presentation at great speed to meet the time restrictions. I don’t think I succeeded – hahaha. It was not just an honor but also the beginning of a great friendship with Shirin Murphy. We also met the US Consul General Daniel Lawton and the Mayor Cllr Paul Reid. I have included a couple of pictures but not naming names really.

Shirin in front of bearded fellow. To her left US Consul General Daniel Lawton. To the right of the bearded man is David Strachan-Morris (PhD) - USMC expert. Far left Jim O’Neill PhD, far right Ranger Hall Of Fame Larry Moores. Belfast, Northern Ireland.

It was a great event. We also received personalized tours of Carrickfergus, the castle, and of the town, and they arranged for excellent tours in the area visiting various WW2 sites. Really some great stuff – I should also mention that next to the US Ranger Centre is the cottage of Andrew Jackson – or one very similar to it from what I remember.  We concluded with a WW2-themed party at the conclusion of the week. It was a remarkable event. I am humbled and honored.

Rangers and Americans should be proud of what Carrickfergus has done to preserve our history. Below you will find some photographs , followed by my presentation. Lots of scrolling - sorry about that.