The buildings to be demolished are to make way for a reeds bed sewage plant which could be built at its former location .During WW2 many Australians, Canadians, New Zealander's, British and American airmen served at RAF Ballykelly Many are laid to rest here in the Commonwealth War graves at the local Tamlaghfinlagan Parish Church. They fought the war against the German U boats in the Longest Battle of WW2 The Battle of the Atlantic . During the Cold War it was also a NATO base for Norwegians French Canadians Dutch German Portuguese American and British Airmen . The Shackleton and Aviation Museum is a NI Registered Charity and is cross community and covers the history of aviation in Ireland and are putting this motion forward. Shackleton Barracks was Given the name of Irish explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton born in Kilkea Co Kildare. The new aircraft stationed at Ballykelly from 1952 to 1971 was the Avro Shackleton . It was given its name by AVROs chiefs designer Roy Chadwick . His wife was a distant relative of Sir Ernest Shackleton .The Early Shackletons were Quakers and came to Ireland in 1696 building a school at Ballitore. Lord Shackleton minister for the RAF and a son of Sir Ernest Shackleton also visited RAF Ballykelly in 1967. RAF Ballykelly was also the Main maintence base for Liberators during WW2 . One of the fastest helicopters in the word was the Lynx and was also stationed at Shackleton Barracks for 10 years. It retired from service today the 17 th of January 2018. Air ships and Hovercrafts were also at Ballykelly for trials during the 1960 and the 1980s Others famous visitors to Ballykelly were Field Marshal Montgomery and Dana who won the Eurovision Song Contest. The most famous pilot was An Irishman Terrance Bullock of 120 Squadron Ballykelly who had the most submarine kills of any Squadron four destroyed and two damaged.
