Local role in Battle of the Atlantic to be commemorated

The local branch has been granted special permission by the trustees of the Limavady Town War Memorial to mount their commemorative plaque adjacent to the memorial.

The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II running from 1939 to the end of the war in 1945.

At its core was the Allied naval blockade of Germany announced the day after the declaration of war and Germany’s subsequent counter blockade. It was at its height from mid 1940 through to the end of 1943. The battle pitted U-boats and other warships of the Kriegsmarine (German Navy) and aircraft of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) against the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and Allied merchant shipping. The airfields constructed in the Limavady borough were specifically built to provide air cover for the convoys transiting between USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. They also helped to combat the submarine threat posed by the wolf packs of the German navy whilst also providing air defence for the City of Derry~Londonderry.

The unveiling and dedication of the plaque will take place at 2.30pm on Sunday the 22nd June 2014 at Limavady town War Memorial. Any serving and ex-service personnel, including serving or former members of the Merchant Navy, are most welcome to attend. Members of the public who wish to observe the proceedings are also welcome.

The project will also see the Roe Valley Branch RAFA develop and publish a booklet describing the conflict with particular emphasis on the role played by local people in support of the Allied cause.

The Roe Valley Branch RAF Association would like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for their help by providing the funding for the project. The project was funded through the HLF’s Sharing Heritage grant programme which awards grants of £3,000 to £10,000 to help communities explore and share their local heritage.

Paul Mullan, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund NI said “We were delighted to support this modest project focusing on uncovering the role of local people in this significant global event. The Sharing Heritage programme is a simple grant programme that is perfect for these local history projects. We congratulate the Roe Valley Branch RAFA on all their work. We would also encourage other groups in Limavady borough to follow their example and come forward with their hidden history projects.”