Battle of the Atlantic: Derry's 'unique role' marked

Prince Michael of Kent joined the celebrations

Hundreds of servicemen and women have commemorated the Battle of the Atlantic at events in Londonderry.

The battle was the longest continuous military campaign of WW II and Derry played a pivotal role.

It was fought for the control of vital supply routes, beginning as war broke out in 1939.

Commemorations also took place in London and more events will be held in Liverpool later this month.

Prince Michael of Kent joined the celebrations and some veterans made the journey from the United States and Canada to attend.

The naval base at Derry - shared by the Royal Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Navy - was vital to the protection of convoys in the Atlantic and, at one time, 140 Allied escort ships were based on the River Foyle.

A statue dedicated to the International Sailor at Ebrington Square was unveiled on Saturday as a reminder of the thousands who lost their lives in the north Atlantic.

DUP MLA Jonathan Bell attended the commemorations.

"Londonderry had a unique role in command and operations during the Battle of the Atlantic," he said.

"This role was celebrated in a meaningful and poignant service with a lasting memorial to future generations."

Skirmishes in the Atlantic continued until the war ended in 1945, but the Allies sank particularly large numbers of U-boats in May 1943, effectively winning the Battle of the Atlantic.

More than 66,000 Allied merchant seamen, sailors and airmen died, with 175 Allied warships and 5,000 merchant ships destroyed by German U-boats.

Veterans also visited Fort Dunree in County Donegal, attended a gala dinner and watched a parade and march-past in Derry.