History of Sorts

It has always been a puzzle to me why Ireland stayed ‘neutral’ during WWII. Aside from the German attacks on Irish merchants ships. The country was also bombed several times in deliberate acts of war against the republic.

Forgotten History-Irish WWII Losses

On 26 August 1940, the German Luftwaffe bombed Campile in broad daylight. Three women were killed  Mary Ellen Kent (30), her sister Catherine Kent (26), both from Terrerath, and Kathleen Hurley (27) from Garryduff. Four German bombs were dropped on the creamery and restaurant sections of Shelbourne Co-op on that day.

The railway was also targeted by the bombers. The attack has never been fully explained, although there are numerous theories as to why the bombing occurred. In 1943, the German government paid £9000 in compensation.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the bombing, a plaque was erected on the co-op walls in memory of the three women.