WATCH - Derry boy sings for Canadian soldier in 1945

The video, titled ‘Letter from Britain/Canadian Soldiers - 1945 British Council Film Collection’, documented the experiences of three Canadian soldiers who were stationed in England and in the North of Ireland both during and after World War II.

The standout scene in the film shows a young Derry boy singing for a penny for a Canadian soldier called ‘Bill’.

‘Bill’ refers to the young boy as ‘Paddy’ and remarks that “there always be other Irish Paddys singing for pennies”.

‘Bill’ is played by real life Lieutenant W.J. O’Connor of the Royal Canadian Navy.

A section of the video shows a Canadian Navy vessel sailing up Lough Foyle and past Culmore Point.

Before the naval vessel docks in Derry it stops at Lisahally to collect a pilot who helps to guide the ship into the port.

There is also brief footage of Boom Hall where the Canadian and British Wrens were stationed during the war.

The soldier narrating the film talks about how Canadian soldiers would have “spent an evening” in the Rising Sun Bar, Greysteel.

The film captures the magnitude of what the quay looked like during the war and there are fantastic shots of Shipquay Street and the Diamond.

The music in the film was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.

To watch the entire 18 minute long film visit ‘Letter from Britain/Canadian Soldiers - 1945 British Council Film Collection’.