80th anniversary of
Battle of the Atlantic
08.05.25
Ebrington Square in
Derry to mark 80th anniversary of Battle of the Atlantic
surrender, BOA80.
ONE of the most significant moments in world history
will be commemorated in Derry on Saturday, May 17th
2025, with a special event to mark 80 years since the
surrender of the Battle of the Atlantic, and the end of
a fierce struggle to protect vital shipping lines that
claimed over 100,000 lives during World War II. |
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A surrendering U-boat
passing Culmore in May 1945. |
While the world reflects
on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the occasion will be
marked locally by looking back on the city’s role, and
the moment when Derry made the headlines across the
globe. On May 14th 1945, the world looked on as the
first eight German U-boats surrendered to Admiral Sir
Max Horton at Lisahally and the German crew were marched
through Ebrington Square, where there was relief and
jubilation that the prolonged conflict had come to an
end.
On May 17th 2025, BOA80 in Ebrington Square will
recreate scenes from the bustling international base of
the 1940’s, as living history characters bring the
historic surrender of the Nazi U-Boat fleet and the
conclusion of World War II to life. There will also be
live music and entertainment reflecting the huge
cultural transformation of the time. |
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American GI's pictured in
Derry with local children. |
The event will be looking
back at a historic era when Derry was a major strategic
command centre in the fight for control of the Atlantic
Sea Routes. Lisahally was used for repairing and
refuelling the Allied warships and served as one of the
main escort bases for the northwest approaches. The
collections on display and themes on the day will form
part of a major gallery in the upcoming Derry on the
North Atlantic (DNA) Museum, and the event will be held
just outside the buildings where DNA will be located.
On the day itself, enjoy live performances of the music
of the roaring 40’s and see how the fashion of the time
began to reflect the international influence of the
troops. Military vehicles including a replica spitfire
will set the scene for the historic re-enactments
throughout he afternoon.
BOA80 will begin at 12 noon on Saturday, May 17th and
entry is free. All are welcome. |
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