Security· World War II
1st Provisional Marine Battalion Londonderry
When the United States entered the war, the Navy set up its first base on the European side of the Atlantic at Londonderry in Northern Ireland.
The base supported warships fighting the long battle against German submarines in the North Atlantic, and it needed protection against sabotage, both from enemy agents who might be landed by submarine and from local threats across the nearby border. Marines took on that job. The 1st Provisional Marine Battalion crossed the Atlantic and became the guard force for the sprawling base, watching over its docks, ammunition dumps, hospital, supply depots, and radio stations. Known as the "Irish Marines," they built a strong working relationship with local police and the community, even forming a bagpipe band. They held the post for two years, keeping the vital base secure until an Army unit took over their duties.
Podcast episodes on World War II
Record no. 595