Atlantic conflict marked by veterans

Battle of the Atlantic is remembered

A special service to mark the 55th anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic has been held in Londonderry.

The service was part of events to mark the beginning of the longest-running single campaign of the conflict.

It was held at the sea port of Lisahally on Lough Foyle in Londonderry.

It marked the commencement of the campaign 60 years ago on 5 May, 1940.

John Scott: Atlantic victory was key factor

Wreaths in memory of the thousands who died on both sides in the conflict will be tossed into the sea on Monday morning as a final tribute.

A parade was also held on the dockside on Sunday where many of the ships which took part in the Atlantic convoys were based during the Second World War.

Canadian, Dutch, Polish and British sailors joined veterans of the campaign for the special service of remembrance on the quay side.

Wreaths in memory of those on both sides who lost their lives were also laid by a number of dignitaries including a German Admiral.

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

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

One veteran of the campaign said he believed 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 said he believed the weekend's event could be the last anniversary for many veterans.

"Time is marching on for them," he said.