The German U Boat fleet surrendered at Lisahally port in May 1945
THIS weekend marks the 71st anniversary of the U boat surrender at Lisahally – a local event of significant international importance and major turning point of the Second World War, and 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 (Saturday May 7 and Sunday May 8) hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council, 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 Donegal Spitfire recovered from bog land near Gleneely; 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.”
Encouraging people to get involved in the U-Boat Surrender events, the Deputy Mayor, Alderman Thomas Kerrigan says he is delighted that it coincides with the relaunch of the Walled City Market in Guildhall Square.
“The Council invested in the new brand as it recognised the potential of the Walled City Market to promote the city and region by showcasing locally produced quality artisan food and crafts.
“There will be something for everyone in the city this weekend. Both the Walled City Market and the U Boat Surrender events will have a strong family focus and I’m confident they will prove very popular with local people and visitors alike,” he added.
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