Call up for stories

This year, 2012, is the 70th anniversary of the commissioning of the US Naval Operating Base Londonderry, described in official documents as “Base One Europe”.

Londonderry in 1942 also saw the arrival of the US Marines to provide protection for the base and the establishment of the first American Red Cross Club in Europe. Now, WWII Base One Europe History Group, a community group dedicated to preserving the heritage associated with the US Navy and US Marine Corps presence in the city during the Second World War is appealing for people with stories, photographs and artefacts to come forward.

The US Navy and Marine Corps Beech Hill Friendship Association is establishing a museum room and archive at the Beech Hill Country House Hotel. Later this year trails will be created within the grounds of the hotel which will reveal the remains of one of the main accommodation camps which served Base One Europe.

Between 1941 and 1945 thousands of civilian workers from Londonderry and Donegal helped in the construction of Base One Europe and in the operation of the Base. Researchers with the Association now wish to collect memories from those workers and their families to ensure that this part of our local heritage is properly preserved for future generations.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the project in any way should contact Mark Lusby at the Holywell Trust at [email protected] or on 07713566719.