In April and May 1941, like numerous places throughout the United Kingdom and other towns across the province, Belfast experienced the horrific consequences of Luftwaffe air raids.

The city was bombed on four separate occasions, suffering the greatest number of deaths during the course of a single overnight raid on any city in the country - with the exception of London - when around 1000 men, women and children were killed during the raid of April 15/16. To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of these tragic events and the immediate aftermath, as well as the construction of the hangar occupied by the Ulster Aviation Collection, this special Open Day was held at the former Long Kesh airfield.

A 1938 Dennis Light Four fire engine from nearby Lisburn, which saw action during the Second World War and which was actually sent to Belfast to help deal with the consequences of the Blitz, was on show. A Bofors anti-aircraft gun was also displayed.,

The UAS collection, which includes historic aircraft and aviation memorabilia, is the largest in the country and Second World War aspects of the collection were to the fore, featuring a range of objects within the hangar, from domestic items such as a Morrison shelter and gas masks to larger artifacts like the VI 'Doodlebug' and Wildcat fighter aircraft.

Northern Ireland's Battle of the Skies, the educational DVD produced by the Society was screened, and The Swing Gals provided some excellent nostalgic entertainment.

Outside the hangar, heritage vehicles representative of the period were on show, including jeeps.

A great event!