Tracing Larne’s link with mine watching service

Fiona Martin kindly donated her late mother-in-law’s uniform from the RNMWS, which museum staff were delighted to receive because of its local historical significance.

The RNMWS was a civilian organisation founded in 1952. The role of the mine watcher was to man observation points and report any mines dropped by aircraft. Elizabeth Martin (née Hogg) joined the service in 1954.

In addition to the uniform, incident report forms from the Larne unit of the mine watching service were also generously donated.

Furthermore, a number of items were donated regarding Elizabeth’s father, John Hogg, who was a local councillor and one-time mayor. These artefacts are diverse and range from programmes for productions held in the town during the 1920s and 1930s, invitations to important social events, as well as documentation relating to improvement works undertaken by, what was then, Larne Rural District Council.

Larne Museum and Arts Centre would like to thank Fiona and her family for their generous and unique donation.

Perhaps you have an item of interest, a story, or something relating to the Royal Navy Mine Watching Service which you would like to share? If so, Larne Museum would love to hear from you - call 028 28 279482 or email [email protected]