Veterans mark Atlantic conflict

The German fleet surrendered in Lisahally after WW2

A delegation of German sailors is expected to be among thousands of ex-servicemen who are in Northern Ireland this weekend to commemorate the end of the Battle of the Atlantic.

The now-disused sea port of Lisahally on Lough Foyle in Londonderry will be the scene of events to mark the beginning of the longest-running single campaign of the conflict.

The events mark the commencement of the campaign 60 years ago on 5 May, 1940.

During the war Foyle was a crucial convoy escort base and in 1945 it witnessed the surrender of the German fleet.

John Scott: Atlantic victory was key factor

Commemorations will begin on Friday with the arrival in Derry of several naval vessels representing both sides of the conflict.

One veteran of the campaign believes the victory in the Battle of the Atlantic was a key factor in the overall triumph over Nazi Germany.

"When those submarines surrendered, this then was the acme of all that we could wish for," said John Scott.

"We had won the Battle of the Atlantic."

Willie Roulston of the Royal Naval Association in Derry believes the weekend's event could be the last anniversary for many veterans.

"Time is marching on for them," he said, adding that it would be a nostalgic commemoration.

He said it was particularly significant that a delegation of German sailors would be at the event.

"If we can help to make sure the same thing as happened in WWII doesn't happen again, more power to everybody," he said.

A Dutch frigate has already sailed into Foyle and a Polish warship has also arrived.

A Royal Navy ship is expected to sail into port on Saturday.

There will be extensive coverage of the weekend events on BBC Northern Ireland.