Weekend of events planned in Derry to celebrate U-boat surrender anniversary

This weekend marks the 71st anniversary of the U boat surrender at Lisahally in Derry – a local event of significant international importance and a major turning point of the Second World War.

To commemorate the event a series of events have been organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council. Building on the success of last year’s 70th anniversary celebrations, the U Boat Surrender programme of events taking place this Saturday and Sunday will tell the story of the city’s war effort through a series of talks, exhibitions and family friendly activities in the Guildhall, Guildhall Square and Tower Museum.

Derry’s strategic location as the most westerly base of the Allied Forces during the Second World War meant the city played a leading role in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Among the exhibits will be a full size replica Spitfire, as well as a range of displays from Second World War collections, including vintage clothing and previously unseen photographs and footage of Derry during the war years, a 1940’s style photo booth and war–inspired refreshments in Café Atlantic.

The programme includes talks on topics as diverse as ‘Rags, Rashers and Rationing’ and the ‘B-17 Bomber in the Foyle’; an interactive display of the Spitfire recovered from bog land near Gleneely in Inishowen; and a UXB bomb disposal demonstration by local historian, Jonny McNee.

The Council’s Education Officer Margaret Edwards said the U Boat Surrender programme offers a great opportunity to reclaim this important aspect of the region’s rich maritime heritage.

“We’re delighted to host this series of free events to mark this important milestone in the city’s maritime history.

“It will be a nostalgic trip down memory lane for anyone who remembers how the arrival of the Allied sailors and servicemen during the war years transformed Derry into a cultural melting pot.

“For anyone not old enough to remember, it’s a great opportunity to learn about the role played by the city in one of the most significant events in history. “The surrender of the U Boats on the Foyle acknowledged Derry’s pivotal role as an allied base.

“At one point, some 139 oceangoing ships had their home base either in the city, or at Lisahally and some of the most famous U-boat hunters of the war saw service commanding escort groups out of the Foyle.

“The region’s importance was reinforced when the Royal Air Force added airfields at Limavady, Ballykelly, Eglinton and Maydown to help with the war effort.”