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Northern Ireland remembers RAF's wartime role

11 Apr 2022

Councillor and Air Marshal Richard Holmes hold Ceremonial Certificate.
Councillor Richard Holmes presents the Freedom of the Borough Ceremonial Certificate to Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew. 

The Royal Air Force was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Causeway Coast and Glens, to recognise its service providing vital air and ground security for the UK.  This is the highest honour that the local council can grant.

"The RAF is still part of this community, and we greatly value the people and the technological industries of Northern Ireland - so this is not just about looking back, this is about looking forwards."

Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew
RAF Deputy Commander Operations

Personnel parade through the streets with Poseidon flypast.

The Causeway Coast and Glens Mayor, Councillor Richard Holmes presented the RAF’s Deputy Commander Operations, Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew KCB CBE with the Ceremonial Certificate.  This was followed by a parade of over 100 RAF personnel through the town, accompanied by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. 

Personnel parade with Ceremonial Certificate.
The Ceremonial Certificate being paraded by RAF personnel.

"Awarding the Freedom of the Borough recognises our close links and ensures they are preserved for future generations.  I want to congratulate everyone associated with the RAF – this honour has been inspired by your service and this accolade is shared by all of you."

Councillor Richard Holmes
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

Front shot of the Poseidon aircraft.

120 Squadron also provided a flypast with a RAF P8 Poseidon; named Terence Bulloch DSO* DFC*.   Squadron Leader Bulloch was a Second World War submarine hunter based at RAF Ballykelly, prolific for destroying four enemy U-Boats and holding the most U-Boat kills during the war.

Side shot of the name on the side of the Poseidon aircraft.

An history exhibition at the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre will be open until April 30th 2022, to further highlight the RAF’s strong heritage and association with Limavady.

Personnel parade through streets.

In total, 28 Northern Irish airfields helped the RAF protect from the air and keep Atlantic convoys open to supply Britain.  RAF Limavady and RAF Ballykelly were two Coastal Command bases that housed submarine-hunting Squadrons.  They carried out significant missions in the six-year-long Battle of the Atlantic, during the Second World War.

"It’s a real privilege for the RAF to have received the Freedom of Causeway Coast and Glens but in particular for the Squadron because we operated from here during the Second World War. We also share several battle honours with 120 Squadron, who made the flypast.  We were all exceptionally proud to be able to honour the legacy of those who came before us in front of a really good crowd."

Wing Commander McCleery
Officer Commanding, 502 (Ulster) Squadron

Birds eye shot over Limavardy.