Elite combat odyssey of “Darby’s Rangers” to be launched at the US Rangers Museum
Wednesday 6 August 2025
Former Army Ranger, military historian and author, Mir Bahmanyar will be the special guest at a launch event on Saturday 16 August for his new book, ‘The Houdini Club: The epic journey and daring escapes of the first army rangers of WWII’.
This thrilling, personality-driven account of the first United States Army Ranger battalions tells the story as never told before - drawing on previously unknown sources and Mir Bahmanyar’s exclusive, uncensored interviews with the greatest generation of Rangers themselves.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, said of the upcoming event:
“We are thrilled to welcome Mir back once again to Carrickfergus. He has been a true friend to the museum for many years now.
“Our museum staff were delighted to be able to assist him with his research and we are honoured to be able to host the launch of his latest book.
“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is very proud of the fact that Carrickfergus is the birthplace of the US Rangers – the only US military unit to be formed on ‘foreign’ soil.
“The 1st Battalion US Rangers was officially activated at Sunnylands Camp, Carrickfergus on 19 June, 1942.
“That first Battalion went on to serve with distinction, with further battalions formed, fighting in North Africa and Italy, leading the way with ambitious daring raids.
“We continue to honour this legacy and connection in a number of ways.
“The Sunnylands memorial was erected in 1992, on the 50th anniversary of the Rangers’ establishment.
“Through our US Rangers Museum, we aim to offer a fitting tribute to the men who volunteered their services to this elite fighting force, in Carrickfergus and beyond.
“We also keep the memory alive through our various exhibitions and events.”
After serving in the Second Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Mir went on to be a military technical advisor on films such as ‘The Good German’, ‘Black Hawk Down’, and ‘We Were Soldiers’ and is a producer and writer in Hollywood. He also co-wrote and produced the award-winning independent historical film ‘Soldier of God’ and has authored numerous books and articles from ancient history to modern war.
At the event Mir will be discussing his research and his experiences in developing this latest publication. From the abundant tales of glory to the tales of misery, fear, and murderous intent, the utter exhaustion and thrill of combat, and the devastating final battle that all but destroyed them, ‘The Houdini Club’ puts readers on the ground alongside the Rangers who made victory in Europe possible, portraying in gritty detail the lives and acts of one of the American military’s greatest collection of men.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase. The Secret Bookshelf, who were voted as best independent book shop of the year for the island of Ireland 2024, will be attending the event with an additional curated selection of World War II related publications for purchase.
Reserve your free place through the Shaped By Sea and Stone website.