Funding Announced For WW2 Heritage Project

Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill has announced the award of a grant to help tell the story of the part Londonderry played in World War II.

With the grant of £93,909 the Beech Hill US Navy Marine Corps Friendship Association plan to conserve the unique story of 'Base One Europe' which was established in Derry in 1942 through a permanent interpretive exhibition centre at Beech Hill Country House.

As part of the funded project, archive material is also to be identified and sourced in the US to document Derry’s contribution to WWII, and the integration of the military presence into the local community.

Speaking after a visit to the site, Minister O’Neill said:"This exciting project will increase awareness among the local community, visitors, veterans and military historians of the cultural heritage of the Beech Hill Camp and the dramatic role which Derry played in WWII.

"Local people who lived during that period in the Ardmore area will be encouraged to share their memories which will add to the unique archive material for generations to come."

During WWII the grounds of the present-day Beech Hill Country House Hotel was home to 500 US Marines. 'Base One Europe' was the first and largest naval institution in Europe.

Secretary of the Beech Hill US Marines Corps Friendship Association Patsy O'Kane said: "The Association has, for over 10 years, been working on the creation of a lasting and exciting memorial to the United States Marines who were stationed on the Beech Hill estate in World War Two. Now, as a result of the grant award from the RDP, we are about to achieve our objective."

(LB)