70 YEARS AGOMay 1943

MAY 1943: On May 12, 1943 the US Marine Corps, stationed at sites across Londonderry, including the Beech Hill, to guard the US Naval Operating Base Londonderry, held an anniversary parade in Guildhall Square. It was attended by the Duke of Abercorn and Mayor. According to Mark Lusby, Heritage Officer, at the Holywell Trust: “Copies of the US Navy War Diaries, held by the Museum, show that, in May 1943, there were 2,555 enlisted men and officers of the US Navy stationed in Derry. Their role was to repair and refuel convoy escort vessels belonging to all of the Allied navies but with a particular emphasis on US Coast Guard and Canadian Naval vessels, who were operating out of Derry at that time.” May 1943 was the turning point in the Battle of the Atlantic, in which Londonderry played a key role. The battle was has been called the “longest, largest, and most complex” naval battle in history.