Aviation mad city to ignore Balbo jubilee

A section of the crowd which gathered in Guildhall Square to greet an Italian air force delegation which included Italo Balbo. (1903MM08)

Both Derry City Council and the Culture Company said they had no intention of commemorating the event, in spite of widespread enthusiasm over another famous aviator Amelia Earhart.

Back in 1933 just over a year after the US aviatrix crashed in Ballyarnett, the RAF performed celebratory loop-the-loops as they escorted, Mussolini’s right hand man, and his 24 seaplane Italian Armada into Lough Foyle.

Balbo was received rapturously by the local citizenry and notables alike.

Members of the Italian consulate gave the Fascisti salute and a group of young Fascistis from the city showered Balbo with rose petals.

Elizabeth II and Michael D. Higgins’ predecessors George V and Eamon De Valera sent their congratulations.

And Lord Mayor Dudley McCorkell, Minister of Commerce John Milne Barbour, City High Sheriff Sir Basil McFarland, Town Clerk Henry Miller and Roman Catholic Bishop Bernard O’Kane also congratulated the Fascist icon.

Regarding the forthcoming anniversary of Balbo’s visit a spokesperson for Derry City Council said there were no plans for a commemoration.

And a spokesperson for the Culture Company said it does not have any plans to mark this anniversary and “we are not aware of any other commemoration.”

It’s a 180 degree turnaround from 1933. Here’s the Derry Journal from the time: “After waiting impatiently for a month, Derry at long last had an opportunity of venting its excitement yesterday, with the eagerly awaited Italian Air Armada arrived. And well did the people rise to the occasion, General Balbo and his men making their triumphant entry into the city amid great enthusiasm and scenes that will be memorable.” Not that memorable though.