Bringing the history of the RAF to life at Air Waves Portrush
Fri, July 06, 2018
Air Waves Portrush will celebrate the RAF’s rich heritage in the Causeway Coast and Glens when it returns on September 1st and 2nd.
The world’s oldest independent Air Force marks its centenary this year with a campaign based on commemorating, celebrating and inspiring – all of which will be to the fore at the two-day event.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s signature event provides an important showcase opportunity which reflects the pivotal role which the region has plaid in the RAF’s 100 year history.
During World War 2, it established bases in Limavady and Ballykelly and these ‘Causeway Coast Airfields’ were vital to victory in the Battle of the Atlantic.
Following the outbreak of World War 2, almost 12,000 men and women from Northern Ireland volunteered to serve in the RAF with over 1000 losing their lives.
One of these is Wing Commander Anthony Desmond Joseph Lovell who is buried at Ballywillan Cemetery in Portrush.
Born in British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) on 9th August 1919, Anthony grew up in Portrush.
A devout Roman Catholic, he joined the RAF in 1938 and trained as a pilot before being posted to No 41 Squadron at Catterick to fly Spitfires. Over Dunkirk In May 1940 he achieved his first victory when he shot down a German Heinkel bomber.
During the Battle of Britain, Lovell was shot down twice, on the first occasion by Luftwaffe Ace Major Werner Molders. Lovell survived and went on to achieve ‘Ace’ status himself. By the end of World War 2, he was credited with 22 aerial victories.
Lovell was appointed to lead the No 244 (Malta) Spitfire Wing, and was at the helm during the invasion of Italy and the South of France. He returned to the UK as a flight instructor to the School of Air Support at Old Sarum. He was killed on 17th August 1945 when his Spitfire crashed while doing acrobatics.
A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring the Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire aircrafts will be one of the flying highlights of Air Waves Portrush– helping to bring Lovell’s war time experience to life in the skies over East Strand.
The flying programme will also celebrate the RAF’s enduring prowess, including an appearance by the Red Arrows who are set to thrill the crowds with their signature speed, agility and precision.
Visitors to Air Waves Portrush can also look forward to a debut performance from the vintage Swiss Classic Formation featuring the Beech 18 and DC-3 aircraft alongside appearances from the Global Stars aerobatic team, the Catalina sea plane, the Sea Fury and the Calidus Autogyro with more announcements still to come.
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Wing Commander Anthony Desmond Joseph Lovell, who is buried at Ballywillan Cemetery in Portrush.