REMEMBERED WITH HONOUR. A tribute to the soldiers of the British Army, murdered by the IRA whilst serving on Operation Banner in County Fermanagh

Transcription

1 REMEMBERED WITH HONOUR A tribute to the soldiers of the British Army, murdered by the IRA whilst serving on Operation Banner in County Fermanagh The Ely Centre

2 The Ely Centre 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. Published by The Ely Centre, 60 Forthill Street, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, BT74 6AJ Tel: info@victimsurvivor.com Website: The Ely Centre is an independent company (established in 2002) limited by guarantee (no.ni and is accepted as a charity by the Inland Revenue under ref. XR The Ely Centre aim is to offer recognition, care and support to innocent civilians, serving / retired security force personnel and their families who have been bereaved and/or suffered physical and psychological injury as a result of terrorism throughout the Fermanagh and South Tyrone area during the Troubles. Any views expressed in this publication are those of their authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Ely Centre 2

3 Acknowledgements The Ely Centre express their sincerest gratitude to all those individuals who have worked with us in the creation of this Remember with Honour publication which accompanies our 2014 County Fermanagh Roll of Honour. This publication would not have been possible without the support and commitment of many individuals and organisations, we thank each of you for assistance throughout this process, however the following organisations and individuals deserve particular mention. The Ely Centre would like to thank the Royal British Legion Enniskillen Branch and in particular Mr Gordon Acheson, Vice President and Director ofthe Ely Centre for, endless hours he has committed to the creation of the Roll of Honour and this accompanying publication. The Ely Centre thank the Northern Ireland Veterans Association (NIVA) and their team of dedicated volunteers who have supported our remembrance project throughout and have been essential in encouraging us throughout and ensuring we have always received the most accurate information and support Finally, we thank the Regimental Association of the Ulster Defence Regiment Enniskillen Branch and in particular Mr William Wallace, Association Secretary, for the invaluable information and guidance provided throughout the development of this publication which aims to reverently acknowledge and pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice which each of these fallen heroes paid. Mr W.J Dixon Chairperson The Ely Centre 3

4 Foreword Operation Banner was the operational name for the British Armed Forces operation in Northern Ireland from August 1969 to July It was initially deployed at the request of the unionist government of Northern Ireland to support the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). After the 1998 Belfast Agreement, the operation was gradually scaled down. Its role was to assert the authority of the Government of the United Kingdom in Northern Ireland. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines in direct support of the Army commitment supplied a maritime component under the codename of Operation Grenada. In total 1,441 members of the British armed forces died in Operation Banner, including natural causes and suicide. Recent evidence suggest that suicide may be attributable to at least 25-33% of unknown deaths amongst members of the armed forces (NIVA, 2014). 692 soldiers in the regular British Army were killed as a result of paramilitary violence 689 died from other causes 197 soldiers from the Ulster Defence Regiment were killed as a result of paramilitary violence 284 died from other causes. 7 soldiers from the Royal Irish Regiment were killed as a result of paramilitary violence 7 died from other causes. 9 soldiers from the Territorial Army were killed as a result of paramilitary violence 8 died from other causes. 2 members from other branches in the army were killed as a result of paramilitary violence. 21 Royal Marines were killed as a result of paramilitary violence 5 died from other causes. 8 Royal Navy servicemen were killed as a result of paramilitary violence 3 died from other causes. 4 Royal Air Force servicemen were killed as a result of paramilitary violence 22 died from other causes. In Co Fermanagh a total of 21 regular British Amy soldiers were murdered. The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) was solely responsible for all British Army killings. Thirteen soldiers were murdered during the 1970 s and a further eight soldiers were murdered in the 1980 s. 4

5 Thousands more suffered and continue to suffer from the physical and psychological injuries sustained in Operation Banner. The highest number of fatalities was sustained on the 321 (EOD) Company Royal Army Ordnance Corps and The Royal Regiment of Artillery, who each, had four soldiers killed during the 1970 s. The Royal Regiment of the Fusiliers had three members killed, The Kings Own Scottish Borderers and The 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales s) regiments each had 2 members killed. The Special Air Service, The Royal Corps Transport, The Royal Green Jackets, The 15th/19th Kings Royal Hussar, The 16th/5th Queens Royal Lancers and The Royal Hampshire Regiment each had one member killed. The Ely Centre extends our sincerest gratitude to all the brave and courageous soldiers of the British Army who fought against terrorism during the Troubles. We remember with honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending Northern Ireland from terrorism. Mr L McDowell Director The Ely Centre 5

6 321 EXPLOSIVE O 321 EOD Squadron 11 EOD Regiment RLC is a unit of the British Army responsible for bomb disposal duties in Northern Ireland. With its Headquarters at Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn, the unit covers the entire province of Northern Ireland. The unit remains the most decorated unit in the British Army. 321 EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL COMPANY ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS The Unit was re-designated 321EOD Squadron Royal Logistic Corps on 5th April 1993 Staff Sergeant Ronald Frank Beckett , Royal Army Ordnance Corps Killed in action, age 36, on 30 August 1973 as he dragged a 20lb IRA bomb out of a Post Office at Tullyhommon, Co. Fermanagh. ST PAULS CHURCHYARD, TUPSLEY, HEREFORD. Warrant Officer 2 John Arthur Maddocks , Royal Army Ordnance Corps Killed in action, age 32, on 2 December 1974 as he examined an IRA milk churn bomb at Gortmullen, Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh. SOUTHAMPTON CREMATORIUM. Sergeant Martin Eamon Walsh , Royal Army Ordnance Corps Killed in action on 9th January 1977 whilst attempting to dismantle an IRA milk-churn bomb near Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh. 6

7 Private Thomas Francis McCann Murdered on 13 February 1972, age 19. Private McCann was born in Dublin and was abducted by the IRA on the way there to visit his mother. His hooded and gagged body was found at Newtownbutler on the Fermanagh border. He had been transferred on compassionate grounds to Ulster to see his mother regularly. The Special Air Service or SAS is a regiment of the British Army constituted on 31 May The Special Air Service was a unit of the British Army during the Second World War, formed in July 1941 by David Stirling and originally called L Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade, in January 1943, Stirling was captured in Tunisia and Paddy (Blair) Mayne replaced him as Commander. It is part of the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) and has served as the model for the special forces of many other countries all over the world SPECIAL AIR SERVICE Lance Corporal Alistair Ira Slater MM , 22nd Special Air Service Killed in action, age 28, on 2 December 1984 while serving with 22 SAS during an operation against the Provisional IRA in Kesh, Co Fermanagh. Two IRA terrorists were killed, two captured and 1000lb of explosives recovered. For his part in the operation L/ Cpl Slater was posthumously awarded the Military Medal. ST. MARTIN S CHURCHYARD, HEREFORD 7

8 The Royal Corps of Transport was formed in 1965 from the transport (land, water and air) elements of the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) and the movement control element of the Royal Engineers (RE). In 1993, following the Options for Change review, the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) was formed by the amalgamation of The Royal Corps of Transport, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Royal Pioneer Corps, Army Catering Corps, and Postal and Courier elements of the Royal Engineers. ROYAL CORPS OF TRANSPORT Driver Norman William McKenzie , Royal Corps of Transport Killed in action, age 25, on 11 April 1974 by an IRA landmine explosion while on patrol near Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh. 8

9 The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (RRF) is an infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Queen s Division. The regiment was formed on 23 April 1968, as part of the reforms of the army that saw the creation of the fourth large infantry regiments, by the amalgamation of the four English fusilier regiments ROYAL REGIMENT OF FUSILIERS Corporal Thomas Henry Agar Age 35, 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Killed on 18th May 1984 alongside L/Cpl Robert Huggins when an IRA device exploded under their car near the Enniskillen Leisure Centre. L/Cpl Peter Gallimore was wounded in the explosion and died on 17 October The three soldiers were all based at Ballykelly and were taking part in an annual Sealink Classic angling competition. They had finished their fishing and returned to their car at 5:30PM and as the car moved, the bomb exploded. Lance Corporal Robert Vernon Huggins , 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Killed, age 29, on 18 May 1984 GORTON CEMETERY, GORTON, MANCHESTER. Lance Corporal Peter William Gallimore , 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Died of Wounds, age 27, on 18 October 1984 following an explosion on 18 May 1984 HEATON CEMETERY, BOLTON, GREATER MANCHESTER. 9

10 The Royal Regiment of Artillery, commonly referred to as the Royal Artillery (RA), is the artillery arm of the British Army. Despite its name, it comprises a number of regiments The Royal Artillery performs a wide range of roles, The Captain General of the regiment is Queen Elizabeth II. The Royal Regiment of Artillery comprises both Regular (full-time) and Reserve (part-time) units. The Royal Regiment of Artillery comprises the Royal Artillery and the Royal Horse Artillery. ROYAL REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY Gunner Errol Leroy Gordon , Royal Regiment of Artillery Killed in action, age 22, on 7 August 1972 along with a colleague, Lance Bombardier David Wynne in an IRA landmine ambush on their Land Rover near Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh. Gunner Gordon originally came from Kingston, Jamaica. SALISBURY CREMATORIUM, SALISBURY, WILTSHIRE. Lance Bombardier David Patrick Wynne , Royal Regiment of Artillery. Killed in action alongside Gunner Errol Gordon on 7 August 1972, age 21. ST MARTINS CHURCHYARD, CAERPHILLY. 10 Gunner Victor Husband , Royal Regiment of Artillery Killed in action, age 23, on 2 June 1972 by an IRA landmine explosion close to the Border at Roslea, Co Fermanagh. A fellow soldier, Gunner Brian Robertson also died in the explosion that was triggered from the Rep of Ireland. The explosion occurred near a bridge at Derryvollen that was repeatedly closed by the northern security forces and routinely reopened by local farmers. THORNTREE CATHOLIC CEMETERY, MIDDLESBROUGH.

11 Gunner Brian Robertson , Royal Regiment of Artillery Killed in action, age 23, on 2 June 1972 alongside Gunner Victor Husband by an IRA Landmine explosion near Roslea. SOUTHWICK CEMETERY, SUNDERLAND, TYNE AND WEAR The King s Own Scottish Borderers was an infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Scottish Division. Between 1972 to 2004, the regiment was regularly posted to Northern Ireland as part of Operation Banner to maintain stability during The Troubles. They were most notably victims of the 1989 Derryard attack which killed two of their men. During the 1990s, they were one of the few Scottish regiments not deployed to the Yugoslav Wars but were mainly stationed in Northern Ireland instead KINGS OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS Private James Houston , King s Own Scottish Borderers Killed in action, age 22, on 13 December One of two soldiers killed during an IRA attack on their checkpoint at Derryard. WIVENHOE CEMETERY, COLCHESTER, ESSEX. Lance Corporal Michael John Patterson , King s Own Scottish Borderers Killed in action, age 21, on 13 December 1989, alongside Private James Houston during an IRA attack on their checkpoint at Derryard. KIRKCOWAN CEMETERY, KIRKCOWAN, WIGTOWNSHIRE. 11

12 ROYAL GREEN JACKETS The regiment was formed in 1966 by the amalgamation of the three separate regiments of the Green Jackets Brigade: the 1st Green Jackets (43rd and 52nd), the 2nd Green Jackets the King s Royal Rifle Corps and the 3rd Green Jackets the Rifle Brigade. During the 1980s, the battalions were deployed to various parts of Northern Ireland (Operation Banner). The regiment s greatest loss of life came on 20 July 1982 when seven RGJ bandsmen were killed by a Provisional Irish Republican Army bomb which exploded during a public concert featuring the music from Oliver! at the bandstand in Regents Park. Lance Corporal Thomas Westgarth Hewitt , Royal Green Jackets Killed in action, age 21, on 19 July 1987, in Belleek while on foot patrol. He was in the kneeling position in the area of the Carlton Hotel at what was known as splat corner when he was struck in the head by an IRA sniper s bullet. He died almost instantly. The RUC claimed that the shot came from across the border but this was disputed by the Gardai. In 1988 a Northern Ireland man was jailed in Dublin for 3 years for his involvement in Lcpl Hewitt s murder. CITY CEMETERY, DALSTON, CARLISLE, CUMBRIA. 12

13 The 15th/19th The King s Royal Hussars was a cavalry regiment of the British Army. It was created as part of the reduction in cavalry in the aftermath of the First World War. It was formed by the amalgamation of the 15th The King s Hussars and the 19th Royal Hussars (Queen Alexandra s Own) on 11 April 1922, becoming the 15th/19th Hussars 15th/19th KINGS ROYAL HUSSARS Sergeant William Robson , 15th/19th King s Royal Hussars Died of wounds, age 23, on 8 February Sgt Robson was shot when his five man foot patrol were involved in a gun battle with an IRA night patrol at Mullan near KinawIey. He was wounded in the shoulder and stomach and died in a Belfast hospital the next day. His wife of six months and his father had tried to reach his bedside but due to a dispute at Glasgow Airport they had to be driven to London. On arrival at Belfast Airport they were flown to the hospital by helicopter only to be forced to circle for 30 minutes due to severe fog. When they finally landed they were told that Sgt Robson had died just a few minutes earlier. BISHOP AUKLAND CEMETERY, BISHOP AUKLAND, Co DURHAM. 13

14 The amalgamation of the 9th Queen s Royal Lancers and the 12th Royal Lancers took place on 11 September 1960 in Tidworth Garrison Church. The inscription reads: Here on the 11 September 1960, 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales s) was formed by the 9th Queen s Royal Lancers and the 12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales s) coming together before God. It is not the beginning but the continuing of the same until it be thoroughly finished, which yieldeth the true glory. 9th/12th ROYAL LANCERS (Prince of Wales s) Sergeant Robert Maughan , 9th/12th Royal Lancers Killed in action, age 30, on 8 May 1979 Sgt Maughan and RUC Det Cons Norman Prue were shot by the IRA outside Holy Cross Church around 11:30am while Mass was being conducted. Det. Con Prue stepped out of his car to buy a copy of the Republican News, which was on sale outside the church gates. A gunman came from behind a wall and shot him. Sgt Maughan was sitting in their unmarked car when another gunman shot him. The church was hit with 2 bullets. A doctor was attending Mass and came outside to attend to the men but both men died instantly. WEST ROAD CEMETERY, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE. Trooper Sean Prendergast , 9th /12th Royal Lancers Killed in action, age 22, on 5 April Trooper Prendergast was on patrol at Manger near the border with Belleek when an IRA landmine exploded under his armoured car fatally injuring him. He was the commander of the Ferret scout car. Another soldier travelling in the vehicle with Trooper Prendergast was slightly injured. Soldiers in the 2nd vehicle escaped uninjured. Both injured soldiers were taken to Enniskillen s Erne Hospital where Trooper Prendergast died. 14

15 The 16th/5th The Queen s Royal Lancers was a cavalry regiment of the British Army. Its lineage is now carried on by the Queen s Royal Lancers 16TH/5TH QUEENS ROYAL LANCERS Corporal David Frank Powell , 16th/5th Queen s Royal Lancers. Died of Wounds, age 22 on 28 October Corporal Powell was fatally wounded by a bomb while on patrol near Kinawley, County Fermanagh. The Hampshire Regiment (Royal Hampshire Regiment from 1946) was a British Army line infantry regiment from 1881 to Its lineage is continued today by the Princess of Wales s Royal Regiment ROYAL HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT Private Colin Phillip Clifford , Royal Hampshire Regiment Killed in action, age 21, on 30 April The victim of an IRA landmine, Belleek, County Fermanagh. A commemorative Elizabeth Cross was awarded to his mother in 2013 ST. JOHN S PAROCHIAL CEMETERY, JERSEY 15

16 The Ely Centre, 60 Forthill Street, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, BT74 6AJ Tel: Website: The Ely Centre