The Stolen Historical US Flag from Foyle College
A historic American flag, which was flown at half-mast following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, has been stolen from the grounds of a school located on the site of a former US naval base. The theft occurred at Foyle College, situated on the Limavady Road in Londonderry, during the early hours of Sunday, according to police reports.
The flag, which was gifted to the school by members of the former US Naval Communications Station, holds significant historical value both locally and internationally. It was last officially flown at the base in November 1963 to mark the death of President Kennedy. More than half a century later, in 2019, it was presented to Foyle College, which had moved to the site the previous year.
Sentimental and Historical Value
Since its presentation, the flag has only been raised on two special occasions each year on the school grounds. It is flown on US Independence Day (4 July) and on the anniversary of JFK’s assassination (22 November).
Speaking to News NI, Neil Stewart, the bursar of Foyle College, emphasized the importance of the flag. He stated, “This is not just any old, run-of-the-mill flag” but is of “huge sentimental and historical value.”
Stewart explained that the flag is not one that was simply purchased from a shop, but rather the actual flag that was proudly displayed on the base. He described its removal as “senseless” and appealed for its immediate return.
He mentioned that the school had recently hosted several special guests for a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate US Independence Day. Among those present was Frank Ekstrom, who was stationed at the US Navy Communications Base. He was accompanied by his son-in-law, David Duffy, as well as Elaine and Sandra Malcor. Sandra’s late husband served at the base, and she also worked there.
“This flag means a lot to so many people, and it has real historical value,” said Stewart. “Why anyone would go out of their way to remove it makes no sense to me.”
Police Appeal for Return of the Flag
Police have confirmed that they received a report of an American flag being flown on property on Limavady Road having been stolen during the early hours of Sunday. According to the police, the incident reportedly occurred at 04:00 BST, involving two individuals, both believed to be male.
Authorities have urged anyone with information or knowledge of the flag’s whereabouts to come forward and contact them.
The Presence of the US Navy in Derry During World War Two
The presence of the US Navy in Derry dates back to World War Two, a period in which the city played a crucial role. Base One Europe, the US Navy’s operating base in Northern Ireland, had its headquarters on the site of the current Magee campus.
The base was vital to the protection of convoys in the Atlantic, and at one point, 140 Allied escort ships were based on the River Foyle. The US Navy maintained a presence in the city for an additional four decades until the closure of the communications station in September 1977.
