Thiepval Barracks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thiepval Barracks |
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| Lisburn | |
Thiepval Barracks
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 Thiepval Barracks
Location within Northern Ireland
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| Coordinates | 54°31′27″N 06°3′6″W / 54.52417°N 6.05167°W |
| Type | Barracks |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ministry of Defence |
| Operator |  British Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1940 |
| Built for | War Office |
| In use | 1940-Present |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | 38th (Irish) Brigade 2nd Battalion, The Rifles |
Thiepval Barracks is a military base in Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It serves as the main office for the British Army in Northern Ireland. It is also home to a group of soldiers known as the 38th (Irish) Brigade and the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles.
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History of Thiepval Barracks
Thiepval Barracks was built in 1940. It is named after a village in France called Thiepval. This village was very important during a big battle in World War I, known as the Battle of the Somme. There is a special memorial there for soldiers who went missing.
Cold War Role
From 1954, Thiepval Barracks had a special underground bunker. This bunker was used by the Royal Observer Corps. Their job was to watch for enemy aircraft and, later, for nuclear attacks during the Cold War.
The bunker was designed to help over 100 volunteers. It also had a team that would give a "four-minute warning" if a nuclear attack was coming. The Royal Observer Corps also helped detect and warn people about dangerous radioactive fallout. Both of these groups stopped their work when the Cold War ended.
Role in The Troubles
In the early 1970s, the barracks became home to another military group, the 39 Infantry Brigade. This brigade played a role during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. They were responsible for security in areas like Belfast and the eastern part of the province.
Thiepval Barracks Bombing
On 7 October 1996, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) attacked the base. They used two car bombs. The first bomb exploded in the afternoon. About ten minutes later, a second bomb went off near the base's medical area. This was where people were gathering to help those injured by the first bomb.
Sadly, a soldier named Warrant Officer James Bradwell, who was 43, was killed. Twenty-one soldiers and ten civilians were also injured. This attack was a major event after the IRA's ceasefire had ended.
Recent Changes
Over the years, some military groups have moved in or out of Thiepval Barracks.
- In 2004, the 39 Infantry Brigade took on some units from another brigade that was closing down.
- In 2006, the headquarters of the 8 Infantry Brigade moved its responsibilities to the 39 Infantry Brigade at Thiepval Barracks.
- On 1 August 2007, the 39 Infantry Brigade joined with another group, the 107 (Ulster) Brigade. They formed a new group called the 38 (Irish) Brigade.
Today, Thiepval Barracks continues to be the home of the 38th (Irish) Brigade and the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles.
