Programme 1 - When War Broke Out
When war broke out in September 1939 life here changed forever. In this
programme local people talk about those early days of the war - the
blackout, rationing, the arrival of thousands of troops and the increasing
importance of Derry as a port from which The Battle of The Atlantic
was fought.
Programme 2 - Smuggling, Romance and Tragedy
The close proximity of Derry and Strabane to the border meant that smuggling
was a full time occupation for many people in the North West. With the
arrival of so many army, navy and air force personnel to the area the
local girls were spoilt for choice and many romances blossomed. Derry
emerged from the hungry thirties as a boom town during the war - one
with a very International flavour. The dangers of war were never far
from peoples minds – the realities of the Battle of The Atlantic
brought tragedy as well as excitement to the area.
Programme 3 - The Bombing Raid
While major cities across the UK were bombed heavily during the war
- Derry escaped almost unscathed until Esater Tuesday 1941 when a German
plane dropped two mines on Messines Park and thirteen lives were lost.
After this Derry people evacuated the city each night fearing that the
worst was yet to come. Nonetheless, the arrival of the 'Yanks' brought
glamour and romance. Despite the energy breathed into the area during
the war everyone welcomed VE day with parties in the streets.
