Warrenpoint Memorial Service - "We will remember them"

The Parachute Regiment yesterday took time out from probably its last ever south Armagh tour to remember 16 of its men killed by the IRA at Narrow Water near Warrenpoint.

Today marks the 26th anniversary of the attack which killed 18 soldiers with two radio-controlled bombs. Earlier the same day, an IRA bomb also killed the Queen's 79-year-old cousin, Earl Mountbatten, while he was fishing in Co Sligo.

It was the greatest number of casualties the regiment suffered in a single day since the Battle of Arnhem in 1944. Two members of the Queen's Own Highlanders were also killed, one of them its Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Col David Blair.

Yesterday, Major Alastair Rogers, second in command of the 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment, led about 20 Paras from Bessbrook Mill to pay their respects at the scene of the massacre beside Carlingford Lough. As part of Government demilitarisation the base is to close in 12 months.

As they arrived the soldiers quickly spread out to keep guard while Major Rogers, Padre Mike Parker and WO1 ESM Shaun Abbott held the service, joined by Newry branch of the Royal British Legion.
The sky was overcast and a biting wind blew as the Rev Parker led the men in giving thanks for those who died.

The names of all 18 were read aloud and Major Rogers laid the regiment's wreath, followed by the British Legion. After a minute's silence and several more readings, the Rev Parker prayed the Airborne Forces Collect, speaking of when "the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings for the peoples of the world", and beseeching God to grant "peace and life everlasting" to "all people".
After the service Major Rogers said: "It is very important to us regirnentally to remember these men and extremely important that they are honoured. As we are currently stationed here it was a welcome opportunity to join with the local Royal British Legion, who tend the memorial, and carry out this service together."

Chairman of Newry RBL branch, John Murdoch said: "This looks as though it will be the last tune the Parachute Regiment will be here in south Armagh so we thought it would be good to pay our respects together for the sacrifices they have made here."

Councillor and deputy UUP leader Danny Kennedy was not present but also paid tribute. He said: "On behalf of the people of Newry and Mourne I would like to thank them for their invaluable service in helping maintain law and order here over the past 35 years." News Letter 27th August 2005