Operation Banner Deaths - Roll of Honour - Recent Comments

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Thank you to all who have made comments recently - very touching and often personal. They deserve no less.

Below is a list of the most recent comments

Rest in peace comrade....
David Graham [Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment lest we forget   (24/08/2008 20:25:45 by alan from portadown )

 

Kerry Venn [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment When I think of Londonderry Kerry always comes to mind how such a good man was lost, was on the same patrol and thought the gunman had missed, such a shock and a loss, my thoughts and prayers are always there.   (23/08/2008 01:51:58 by joe {jurky} from USA )

 

comment I was attached to 40th Reg for 4 years and new Kerry well even after 35 yrs I still think of him and my hometown pal Bobby Curtis also killed in Northern Ireland who died before their time.   (27/06/2008 19:19:23 by Colin Royal Army Pay Corps from Newcastle upon Tyne )

 

comment 
Shot but a few yards from me.
He will always be in my thoughts.
So to, the young wife and child he left behind.
I still have a photo of him in the Chow line,
cheeky grin, plate of nosh and all.
Keith
  (06/04/2008 17:05:19 from Tewkesbury, Glos )

 

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I have been marking Kerry's memory for more than twenty years, by attending Remembrance Services and leaving a small wooden cross, with broad details of who Kerry was, who he served with and how/where he died. I will be doing it again tomorrow, 11.11.07.

He will always be remembered by me with respect and fondness.

  (10/11/2007 21:00:24 by Stuart )

 

Clifford Houghton [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment Lance-Corporal Clifford Houghton, his wife Linda, who were both 23, and their two sons, Lee, five, and Robert, three - died together in this atrocity

Tweleve people - including eight off-duty soldiers and two young children - were killed, and 12 seriously injured, when the coach they were travelling in was blown up by a bomb.

The private coach was carrying more than 50 people and making its way from Manchester, along the M62, towards an army base in Catterick, North Yorkshire, when an explosive device in the rear of the vehicle detonated.

The explosion happened just after midnight on the eastbound carriageway between Chain Bar, near Bradford and Drightlington, south of Leeds.

In November 1974, Judith Ward, who denied being a member of the IRA, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the bombing but freed in 1992.
BBC story   (02/08/2007 00:33:56 by Brian Boru from NI )

 

Richard Heakin [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
John Lyness [ex-Ulster Defence Regiment (ex-UDR)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment John will never be forgotten, he was a man of honour and earned the respect and loyalty of all who knew him.   (10/08/2008 12:42:08 by HM - 12pl )

 

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Johnny & Doreen were our 2nd mum & dad. When the book of his murderer comes out the whole town will know the truth, some people think they can get away with murder but!!!

  (03/11/2007 02:50:07 by 11legs from waringstown )

 

comment Johnny was a hero and veteran. He achieved the much deserved rank of Sergeant and remained to his murder a local character. Gone but not forgotten.   (21/08/2007 00:22:03 by Papa Smurf from County Armagh )

 

Timothy Utteridge [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment 

Dear Mrs. Utteridge,

I do hope you remember me, Peter Osborne. I was Tim’s longhaired friend from Rowley Road in Boston.

I’m sorry this is out of the blue but since I found his memorial site I felt that I had to let you know that Tim always has been and still is very much in my memory.

So many things bring good times with him back to mind, dates, numbers and especially music.

Although we only knew each other a short time he had a profound effect on my life, and after nearly twenty five years my thoughts of our times together are still as vivid as they ever were. Tim for me was a wonderful, special friend and I feel privileged to have shared the time with him.

Not being able to say goodbye to Tim properly is something that shall haunt me for forever. I should have been there. I miss him so much.

My heart, thoughts and prayers have always been with you Sean and family. And my memories of Tim are an emotional, happy blessing.

After reading this I realise I’m just not eloquent enough to say the things I need to, to convey to you my sympathy for your loss.

Yours Faithfully

Peter

  (07/08/2008 22:29:44 by Ozzy from Nottingham )

 

Michael Adams [Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment 

Many years on I still remember being the first patrol to the site of this bomb. I often reflect on the men who died and wish them well.

Soldier 2 Para

  (06/08/2008 21:43:41 )

 

Geoffrey Breakwell [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment Always in our thoughts, always missed. God Bless.   (06/08/2008 16:05:53 by Little 'un. from West Midlands )

 

James Speers [Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment 

They asked him to look at the radiator in their car and when he was bent over looking at it they shot him.

never got to meet you but still miss you granda xx

  (03/08/2008 18:49:54 by ecp1987 )

 

Daniel Holland [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment 

I was in the same room as you half an hour before you were taken from us. The Regiment still remembers all its fallen Riflemen.

REST IN PEACE

  (28/07/2008 17:39:09 by Tim from Dorset )

 

comment Your fellow riflemen will always remember you Daniel   (28/07/2008 17:32:16 by Danny from Dorset )

 

comment I knew Daniel only vaguely as he and the two other Riflemen were in a different platoon but by one of those strange quirks of fate I spoke to all three of them an hour or so before they were killed. A real tragedy, especially on the last day of our tour, another 24 hours and all would have been well. Rest in Peace Brother Rifleman, you are not forgotten.   (04/01/2008 19:04:17 by Paddy M from E.Yorks )

 

comment Nice to know you mate...   (09/12/2007 21:53:26 )

 

Anthony Dacre [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment Rest In Peace My Friend   (27/07/2008 16:37:19 by Gary Whitaker from lancashire )

 

Erik Clarke [Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment I was a child from Swatragh at the time of this murder. I would like to extend my sympathy to the family and emphasise that the people of Swatragh don't condone murder. I remember everyone was shocked and horrified when it happened and sickened to imagine that someone came into our village to carry out such a terrible act. We are saddened to have the memory of this murder but will never forget the young man who had his life brutally ended. May we never return to a time of such violence. May Erik rest in peace.   (26/07/2008 03:53:34 by Young Female )

 

Daniel Blinco [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment I remember your death, I felt so sad for you. I think of you often and your family. may you rest in peace. Your killer still has to answer to the Lord. Garda officer who served in nearby southern Irish town.   (25/07/2008 23:43:24 )

 

David Allen [Royal Marine (RM)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment Absent Friends

We were in 16 troop when we first joined. I was posted to Recce Troop in Charlie Company. Dave along with others went out on foot patrol, only to pay the ultimate price. Along with the others who have made comments here (i can guess who two of them are) There but for the grace of god.

I have a memorial website to Dave Allen at http://www.foxnwolf.com

To Dave, his family and friends.......PMPT   (18/07/2008 11:13:07 by Mac McCracken from UK )

 

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Dave Allen was my best mate during training (30 Nov 71 - 26 May 72). After recruit training we managed quite a few runs ashore together in Plymouth before deploying to Northern Ireland. We both joined Charlie Company; he went into 7 Troop and I joined 8 Troop. We had plenty of plans on how to spend the post-deplyment leave period but it was never to be.

I'll never forget him.

  (24/10/2007 04:10:17 by jg from New Zealand )

 

comment I was with David when he was killed. I did not know him that well but have never forgotten him. He was a Royal Marine as was I. Every Remembrance Day I leave a cross for him in my local church as he still has a place in my thoughts. To his family I say this, As long as I live I shall remember David and his sacrifice, he is remembered even to this day.   (22/10/2007 11:17:58 by Freeby from Yorkshire/London )

 

comment He was a Royal Marine   (20/10/2007 20:40:04 by JOS from UK )

 

comment David was a Royal Marine in 40 Cdo. He was single and had only been in NI for a few weeks when hit by a sniper at Unity Flats (now replaced by new homes) whilst waiting for an Orange Parade to pass. He came from Westerhope, nr Newcastle upon Tyne.   (27/07/2007 04:28:30 by a friend from NI )

 

George McCall [ex-Ulster Defence Regiment (ex-UDR)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment Served with George McCall's late son Alan who was a brilliant guy, one of the best. RIP   (18/07/2008 04:19:02 by ron from belfast )

 

Reginald McCollum [Royal Irish Regiment (R IRISH)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment Served in same company as Reggie and what happened to him still haunts me to this day.   (18/07/2008 04:11:09 by ron from belfast )

 

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Hi I'm am a sister of Reggie's and I would like to talk to anyone that knew him. As any friend of his I would consider a friend of mine.

He was the best of them all.

Admin note: - Anyone who wishes to follow up this request can pass a message via the admin team on the forums.   (05/07/2008 01:28:52 by arls from cookstown )

 

comment One of life's true gents, still remember the two of us trying to get out of that van in Barnstaple pissed. Sleep well.   (28/05/2008 21:20:23 by spick )

 

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Did my training with Reggie great wee man. Never forget when I heard about his murder we all know the scum that did this.

  (01/12/2007 03:34:44 by BERNIE from N IRELAND )

 

Christopher Shenton [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment I would like to add that Christopher was a member of a foot patrol tasked with closing the Derry City wall gate in Magazine Street at midnight when he was shot and killed.I know because the rest of us were immediately deployed in to the Bogside to try to catch the terrorists responsible.   (17/07/2008 09:21:33 by smudger from stafford )

 

comment Chris Shenton the Staffordshire Regiment died for nothing thanks to Tony Blair, who walked away without getting justice for you and many others, so very very sad.   (25/05/2008 20:39:48 by stafford pete from Kent )

 

John Pearson [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment 

See entry for David Ferguson died same date.

John, I'll NEVER forget.

  (14/07/2008 22:29:05 by Doc Halliday from Solihull )

 

Roderick Bannon [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment 

See entry for David Ferguson died same date.

Roddy, I'll never forget.

  (14/07/2008 22:26:54 by Doc Halliday from Solihull )

 

David Ferguson [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment 

Lost with 2 other comrades (Bannon and Pearson) on this terrible day and had a serving brother who was a pal of mine (Gus). 1st Bn The Royal Scots, (The Royal Regiment). Two days after my 21st birthday and a day I will NEVER forget.

So very young but men for all that. Good men too.

  (14/07/2008 22:23:13 by Doc Halliday from Solihull )

 

Alexander Bannister [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment 

He was a good bloke who is still missed. honi.soit.qui mal.y .pense. steady the buffs. Rest in peace Alex.

  (14/07/2008 16:05:26 by johnboy from germany )

 

Steven Smith [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment Steven (Sammy) Smith fondly remembered for his time in Catterick Garrison.   (12/07/2008 03:02:38 by Bev. Watts from Catterick Garrison )

 

Robert Hill [Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment Always remembed by 29 platoon 2 RIR J Coy   (10/07/2008 10:58:27 by tonto028 from Northern Ireland )

 

John Dowd [Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment You were my instructor in Enniskillen and I enjoyed the interactions we had including the final practical were you got me back for my earlier antics. I was shocked and saddened when I heard you lost your life with 8 others in my old station. Another fine life cut short.   (10/07/2008 03:53:03 by Noddy )

 

Tracy Doak [Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment 

Tracy you are never far from my mind, I was asked by your big brother to keep an eye on you when you were posted to Newry, I will always feel that I let you both down by not being there for you that fateful day.

I was pleased I had the opportunity to travel back to Ulster years later and meet up with your family, attend not only where you are buried but also to be taken and stand at the spot where the incident occurred.

I named my first born child after you and I was pleased when she recently joined the Police and graduated, I will follow her progress with pride and a certain sense of trepidation as I see her continue to grow and live her life knowing your family never had that opportunity.

May you rest in peace

Michael N

  (10/07/2008 03:42:50 by Noddy )

 

Paul Bulman [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment I went to school with Paul. Was he buried at Preston cemetery in his home town of North Shields?   (09/07/2008 15:46:01 by KEGS from NORTH SHIELDS )

 

Stephen Burrows [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment 

RIP Stephen gone but never forgotton a Kingo forever

Robbo no neck

  (09/07/2008 00:29:25 by Robbo no neck )

 

comment Never forgotten you "Bugsy". Proud to have served with you, ex kingo D-Coy   (01/12/2007 03:16:38 )

 

David Montgomery [Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment I served with David Montgomery in 11 UDR, he was a fine young man and a great loss not just to his family but to Northern Ireland as a whole.   (05/07/2008 23:35:37 )

 

George Coulter [Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment 

Sergeant George Coulter was a good man taken from us too soon. Three nineteen year olds were at the core of his Section and "George" (as we affectionately called him) never hinted at our inexperience. He was a quiet family man and didn't participate much in RUC social events. Ironically, he spent the evening of January 30th at a farewell party at the Inn on the Park Hotel for one of the teens emigrating to Canada. George sent him home early on the 31st.

The mobile patrol left the home of SDLP politician Austin Currie at approximately 9:30 p.m. where George always visited the guards on duty. As the car made a right turn on to Donaghmore Road two gunmen opened fire. George was killed instantly and the driver hit in the chest and lung. Fortunately the other two occupants were untouched.

My lasting regret is that I never got to attend his funeral as I was in Intensive Care Unit of Craigavon Area Hospital.

I fondly remember Sergeant Coulter especially on the anniversary date and Remembrance Day. He was due to retire in six months. His death is one of those tragic Irish occasions when there is no answer to the question "why?" The words of Job bring comfort: "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord" (1:21).

  (02/07/2008 01:47:28 by Dave M from Alberta, Canada )

 

Robert Curtis [British Army (BA)]  Add  |  Full Profile
comment I was a boyhood friend of Bobby we were both the same age he joined the RA whilst I the Royal Army Pay Corp ironically I was attached to an RA Regt in Germany when I learnt of his death each Remembrance Day I have a special prayer for him he was a great Lad   (27/06/2008 19:27:01 by Colin from Newcastle upon Tyne )

 

Back to Roll of Honour.

Died on This day

1975 - Roger  Goad

1971 - Ian  Armstrong

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