Friday 8 October saw the culmination of a lengthy campaign for official recognition of the World War II hero, Leading Seaman James J. Magennis VC, in his native city.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Robert Stoker, welcomed the Magennis family who had come over from Bradford for the ceremony. Ian Fraser VC, DSC, the commanding officer of the midget submarine in the sinking of the Japanese warship in Singapore harbour 31 July 1945, gave a moving speech in honour of his shipmate, who died in 1986. Other distinguished guests included the only other living naval Victoria Cross, Nat Gould VC, who also was a World War II submariner.
Photo shows the impressive memorial in front of City Hall, designed by Elizabeth Linton-McLaughlin, with campaigner George Fleming, author of the book ‘Magennis VC’ published by History Ireland.