NI's wartime command remembered

The Coastal Command sank 189 U-Boats

Northern Ireland's contribution to the wartime Coastal Command is to be commemorated in Belfast.

Organisers want to recognise the sacrifice of the ranks of those who served in Coastal Command, which are rapidly dwindling.

Five NI airfields were set up to protect the northern shipping route and supplies going to Britain.

The airlfields were situated at Limavady, Castlearchdale, Nutts Corner, Ballykelly and Aldergrove.

More than 1,350 NI men and women lost their lives and many thousands were wounded in Coastal Command operations.

The command sank 189 U-Boats, 366 enemy ships and saved the lives of 10,683 Allied forces.

On Wednesday, the 60th anniversary of Coastal Command is being commemorated by a concert by the RAF Central Band in the Ulster Hall.