A roadside service was held outside Warrenpoint this morning (Tuesday, August 27) to mark 45 years since the Narrow Water ambush.
The attack by the Provisional IRA at Narrow Water Castle on August 27 1979 claimed the lives of 18 British soldiers after an Army convoy was targeted by two large roadside bombs.
The Castle lies on the banks of the Newry River, which marks the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The soldiers killed on the day were: Victor MacLeod (24), David Blair (40), Nicholas J. Andrews (24), Gary I. Barnes (18), Raymond Dunn (20), Anthony G. Wood (19), Michael Woods (18), John C. Giles (22), Ian A. Rogers (31), Walter Beard (31), Thomas R. Vance (23), Robert N. England (23), Jeffrey A. Jones (18), Leonard Jones (26), Robert D.V. Jones (18), Chris G. Ireland (25), Peter Fursman (25) and Donald F. Blair (23).
Also killed was civilian William M. Hudson (29).
The service, organised by the Northern Ireland Branch of the Parachute Regimental Association, took place at the site and was officiated by Rev Graham Middleton and Pastor Jim Patterson.
Music was by Frontier Pipes and Drums and accordion player Ewan McNeill.
Approximately 200 attended the service and among those was Cusher councillor and TUV party Chairman Keith Ratcliffe and party colleague North Antrim MP Jim Allister.
Councillor Ratcliffe commented: “I was honoured to be invited to today’s event and have the opportunity to pay tribute to the brave men whose lives were stolen that day.
“I want to commend those who organised this morning’s fitting tribute and assure them and indeed all innocent victims of the unwavering commitment of my party to fighting for them and against the revision of history.”
