Derry City has several standing reminders of the US presence during the war years, including a statue dedicated to the sailors of the Second World War at Ebrington Sqaure. 

The city and its harbours became a major hive of activity during the Second World War when the US Naval Operating Base (Base One) was officially commissioned on 5 February 1942.  Derry was the first US Navy establishment in Europe and continued in operation until July 1944. The US Naval HQ was established in Talbot House in the grounds of Magee College. At the conclusion of the war the quayside at Lisahally hosted the surrender of German U-boats. Eight submarines were surrendered on 14 May 1945 to Admiral Sir Maxwell Horton, Commander-in-Chief of the Western Approaches with the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Sir Basil Brooke in attendance. During the following winter, twenty eight U-boats were towed out into the Atlantic and scuttled. Historians would argue that Londonderry was the key to victory during the Battle of the Atlantic.

 

Eglinton Airport now the City of Derry Airport was originally planned to become a base for US day and night fighter aircraft. This was part of a short-lived plan for the Americans to take over responsibility of the air defence of Northern Ireland from the RAF. In July 1942 the first pilots arrived and spent a short time in Northern Ireland learning how to fly Spitfires, which was a new experience to these US pilots. Lockheed P38 aircraft began arriving in November but by December the pilots began heading for England, the last leaving at the beginning of January 1943. Unfortunately they left on a tragic note due to the crash of a P-38 which dived into the tarmac of Langford Lodge after leaving Eglinton in December, killing 21 year old Lieutenant Scott K. Giles from Kansas.

Photos from History Hub Ulster and Forgotten Airfields

Ballykelly Airfield was officially an RAF base but it had a significant USAAF presence on occassions throughout the war. In October 1942 a number of US Navy amphibious Catalinas were temporarily based here when in transit to Morocco from Iceland. While at Ballykelly they carried out anti U-boat patrols sinking two and damaging several more. In September of 1944 B-24 Liberators patrolled the north and north-west of Ireland through Ballykelly on an almost daily basis. Even though they found evidence of U-boat activity no attacks were made.

A poignant reminder of the dangers of operational service even in the comparatively uncontested skies of Northern Ireland lies in the churchyard of Christ Church, Limavady. Here you will find the grave of Flight Sergeant William B. Fry from Texas who was a volunteer pilot with the RAF based at Ballyhalbert. He died when his Spitfire crashed near Dungiven during a joint military exercise with British and American forces on 26 September 1942.

The remains of Second World War buildings and anti-aircraft gun sites can be seen at Magilligan Point close to the prison, where the ferry crosses to Greencastle, Donegal.  As you travel towards the prison you will see the remains of the positions of naval guns as well as searchlight and heavy anti-aircraft guns.

The beautiful beaches of Portrush and Portstewart were used for training during the Second World War and due to the number of airfields, camps and troops in Antrim and Londonderry, defences against attacks were very necessary as the perceived threat of invasion from the sea was high.

There are two pillboxes along Portstewart Strand which can still be viewed. Pillboxes are concrete dug in guard posts, normally with loopholes through which to fire weapons. These would have been staffed around the clock. One is overlooking the harbour in Kerr Street and the other along the promenade on the East Strand. This pillbox is in the back of a private house and has been blocked up.

While driving across the dramatic coastline of the North Coast you can stop off at Royal Portrush Golf Club to view a memorial to American troops. It is dedicated to the men of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army and it was erected by John P McCann.

This castle was a popular sightseeing destination for the American troops while in Northern Ireland.

Please find more info from Discover Northern Ireland below:

The iconic ruin of Dunluce Castle bears witness to a long and tumultuous history. First built on the dramatic coastal cliffs of north County Antrim by the MacQuillan family around 1500, the earliest written record of the castle was in 1513.

It was seized by the ambitious MacDonnell clan in the 1550’s, who set about stamping their mark on the castle under the leadership of the famous warrior chieftain Sorely Boy MacDonnell during an era of violence, intrigue and rebellion.

In the 17th century Dunluce was the seat of the earls of County Antrim and saw the establishment of a small town in 1608. Visitors can explore the findings of archaeological digs within the cobbled streets and stone merchants’ houses of the long-abandoned Dunluce Town.

The dramatic history of Dunluce is matched by tales of a banshee and how the castle kitchens fell into the sea one stormy night in 1639.

There is limited disabled access for wheelchair users. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs allowed except guide dogs and assistance dogs.

The unique visitor attractions along the North Coast were as popular back in the forties are they are today. Troops like to visit the Giant’s Causeway, but not as a unit. They saw it ‘as an unsual and beautiful sightseeing spot…to take their girlfriends for the afternoon.’

An amazing location for walkers on the Hartle Trail is Slieveanorra Mountain. Walkers will be able to view a memorial dedicated to the American service men who perished there on 3^rd October 1942. A B-17 from the 401st Bomb Squadron crashed with 10 airmen onboard. There were only 2 survivors. The crewmen were:

• 2nd Lt. Robert Allen
• Pvt. Justin C. Hamblin
• Cpl. Leon R. Harrison (survived)
• Cpl. John N. Gibson,
• 2nd Lt. Leonard Koebel
• Cpt. Dale Lasselle
• 1st Lt. John A. McLean
• Sgt. Robert J. Vaughan
• Capt. George C. Wassell
• Pfc. Norman E. Wickes (survived)

Harrison and Wickes were the only survivors.

A memorial stone was erected and a commemoration ceremony was held on 10 September 2014. Relatives of Cpl. Leon Harrison were in attendance.

The summit can be reached from the south west via the Moyle Way on the Orra Scenic Route or approached from the South through Slieve an Orra forest.

Please visit www.91stbombgroup.com for more infomation.