A week later on August 8th, a thanksgiving service was organised in St Columbs Cathedral, this was followed by a demonstration by all the regiments in the garrison placed around the walls.
It was on August 1st, 1714, ex Governor and siege hero, colonel Mitchelburne raised the crimson flag, the emblem of defiance, on the Cathedral Steeple and later formed a club known as the `Apprentice Boys`.
Thus the pattern was set for the `Apprentice Boys` of future generations to commemorate the two historic events connected with the siege, the shutting of the gates and the Relief.
The `Apprentice Boys of Derry club was founded in 1814, and a medal was struck to commemorate the occasion. There was a lot of festivity in the City on this year as vollies were fired over the gates and musketry firing from the Cathedral.
By 1824, the `No Surrender` club had been formed, this was followed by the `Walker`and `Murray` clubs, by 1861 these were followed by the `Browning` and `Baker` and `Cairns` clubs. The latter appears to become defunct after this, to be replaced possibly by the now revived `No Surrender` club. There is also evidence that in the 1800`s, there was a `Juvenile` and `True blue` club.
By this time, `Campsie` and `Williamite` clubs had been formed, although their presence was not recorded in 1861.
By now the various `Apprentice Boys` clubs were growing rapidly, and in 1873 the Headquarters of the `Apprentice boys` Association saw its foundation stone laid on the 12th August.
Underneath the stone, in hermetically sealed tin cases, coins of that year, most recent issues of all local papers, copy of Hemptons`, "Siege and History of Londonderry", and parchment with names of committee, etc. the building was opened in 1937 at a cost of £30,000.
It is fitting that all new candidates must be initiated within the historic walls.
The present troubles have witnesed a phenomel increase in `Apprentice boys` membership and general history of the memorial siege, as Protestants begin to look for their identity. It is evidently clear that Protestants are rallying to the famous crimson colours in this time of stress as their forefathers did many years ago.
The `Apprentice boys` Association forms part of the fibre of our Protestant heritage and remains the bulworks of the great Loyalist cause.
By their actions during the 105 days, those Gallant Defenders gave us a message, which will remain with us to the present day, as we are again forced with conflict, that message is, "NO SURRENDER".
