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Freedom of the Borough for the Royal Air Force marks Limavady area’s long association with the RAF

Freedom of the Borough for the Royal Air Force marks Limavady area’s long association with the RAF

Fri, April 08, 2022

The Royal Air Force has been formally granted the Freedom of the Borough of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, marking the area’s long association with the RAF.

To mark the importance of the honour, a P-8 Poseidon – the RAF’s modern submarine-hunting jet – performed a flypast over the town centre.

The aircraft, which had recently returned from monitoring Russian naval movements in the Mediterranean, flew over the war memorial at the conclusion of the formal event.

Significantly, the Poseidon that made the flypast was named the Terence Bulloch DSO* DFC*, after a Northern Ireland pilot who held the record for the most U-Boat kills during the Battle of the Atlantic. Squadron Leader Terence Bulloch DSO* DFC* was based at RAF Ballykelly, near Limavady, for a period during the war.

The Mayor, Cllr Richard Holmes, had earlier presented a ceremonial certificate to the RAF’s Deputy Commander Operations, Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew KCB CBE. 100 RAF personnel then paraded through the town centre accompanied by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

The Freedom of the Borough was granted by the Council in 2018 in recognition of: “100 years of service, and in acknowledgement of the vital air and ground defence roles which they continue to provide for the security of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”.

In planning the event the Council and RAF were keen to highlight Limavady’s strong RAF heritage and an exhibition highlighting the history of the RAF around Limavady at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre is open to the public until April 30th 2022.

RAF Limavady and nearby RAF Ballykelly were two vitally important bases during the Second World War, with both stations home to RAF squadrons conducting anti-submarine operations during the Battle of the Atlantic. The P-8 Poseidon that made the flypast performs the same role defending the North Atlantic that was performed by aircraft from the RAF’s Coastal Command in Northern Ireland from 1939 to 1945.

Cllr Richard Holmes, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said:

“Today was a momentous occasion for both Council and the Royal Air Force as we granted our highest civic accolade in recognition of the RAF’s services in the UK and around the world.

“The Roe Valley’s central place in the history of the RAF made hosting the event in Limavady even more significant for everyone involved.

“From our formal proceedings in Drumceatt Square when the Freedom Register was signed, to the wonderful spectacle of the RAF parade around the town, the opportunity to respectfully remember at the War Memorial and the fantastic sight of the Poseidon flying overhead, it has been a day characterised by both celebration and reflection.

“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.”

Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew, Deputy Commander Operations, Royal Air Force KCB CBE said:

“It was fitting that today’s event was staged at Limavady. There is a strong and enduring link between the people of the town and those who served at the Royal Air Force Coastal Command stations that once dotted the Northern Irish coastline.

“I’m delighted the RAF could mark this occasion with a flypast from one of our P-8 Poseidons, which is the latest successor to aircraft like the Liberator and Shackleton, the Poseidon continues the RAF’s proud tradition of protecting our shipping and security from potential aggressors, both in seas around the UK and in support of our NATO allies."

RAF Personnel parade the Freedom certificate during the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Limavady on Friday. Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Councillor Richard Holmes presents the Freedom certificate to Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew during the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Limavady on Friday. Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew and Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Richard Holmes inspect the parade ahead of the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Limavady on Friday. Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Richard Holmes and Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew sign the Freedom Register during the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Limavady on Friday. RAF Personnel make a salute to the Lord Lieutenant of County Londonderry Mrs Alison Millar during the Freedom of the Borough parade held in Limavady on Friday P8 Boeing Poseidon based at RAF Lossiemouth performs a flypast over Limavady during the Freedom of the Borough celebrations Air Officer Northern Ireland, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew, Brigadier James Senior, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Richard Holmes, Brigadier Andy Muddiman, Lord Lieutenant of County Londonderry Mrs Alison Millar, Lord Caine and Cadet Joshua Durnin at the the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Limavady on Friday Pictured during the Freedom of the Borough event held in Limavady on Friday. The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council cuts the cake during the Freedom of the Borough event held in Limavady on Friday RAF Personnel on parade during the Freedom of the Borough ceremony held in Limavady on Friday.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council elected members pictured at the Freedom of the Borough event held in Limavady on Friday 8th April. The Freedom of the Borough book which was signed on the day. The Mayor, Councillor Richard Holmes, takes part in the parade inspection at the beginning of the Freedom of the Borough ceremony. The RAF Parade formed up in Drumceatt Square in Limavady. Lord Lieutenant of County Londonderry Mrs Alison Millar walks to the War Memorial with Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew. The Mayor, Councillor Richard Holmes, lays a wreath at the War Memorial in Limavady. Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew meets 96-year-old Margaret Robertson, a World War II veteran who served in the Women's Auxillary Air Force as a Leading Aircraftwoman. Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew pictured at Limavady War Memorial with members of the Causeway Coast and Glens Royal Air Forces Association Paul Taylor, Billy Mulligan, Paul O'Brien and Colin Smyth. The Mayor takes a moment to get a picture of the Freedom certificate.
The Mayor presents Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew with a framed photograph of the Red Arrows over Portrush. A gift is presented to the Mayor, Councillor Richard Holmes, in recognition of the Freedom of the Borough award. A framed selection of images showing the P8 Boeing Poseidon is presented to the Mayor by Air Marshal Sir Gerry Mayhew. The Central Band of the Royal Air Force perform in Drumceatt Square to bring a close to the Freedom of the Borough event.