The US military comes to Holy Loch

"First to come was Proteus, which was the depot ship, then a floating dry dock. There were huge demonstrations which stretched along Hafton Bay from Hunters Quay, to Lazaretto Point and onto Ardnadam Pier where people lay down on the road in protest. There were lots of police and as they picked up one person another took their place.

"On the water were canoes and small boats. One man climbed the anchor chain, which prompted two sailors up on the bow to immediately turn a hose on him! Another protester climbed onto the rudder of a Submarine. There were lots of boats in the water circling the area in protest.

"During the Cuban crisis we woke up one morning to see that the depot ship and submarines were gone. I can’t remember exactly how long they were gone for but they returned as soon as the crisis was over.

"We had a thunderstorm one day. Lightning struck the dry dock and there was massive bang, like an explosion. Everyone thought the dry dock had been bombed by the Russians.

"The Castle Gardens used to have dances, after the Americans came. I have fond memories of how we all learnt how to jive, it used to be great fun and a bit like on the films- Rock and Roll! They also did shows in the summer- Choral Club and flower shows."

As told by Jenifer Cousins, resident of Blairmore.

More information on visiting the area can be found here.