A Service of Commemoration was held today to mark the 50th anniversary of the bombing that tragically took the lives of six civilians and a military chaplain, with a new Memorial Square unveiled to remember those lost.
50 years ago, the Official Irish Republican Army, a paramilitary republican group, targeted the headquarters of 16th Parachute Brigade, planting a car bomb outside the entrance at 12:15 to inflict as much suffering as possible. The bomb went off and killed seven, wounding another nineteen.
The bombing in Aldershot was the first in a series of attacks by the IRA targeting British Army regiments.
To commemorate this anniversary, a memorial on the site of the old headquarters of 16th Parachute Brigade has been unveiled. The memorial is a heptagonal plinth with each side representing one of the victims killed:
- Thelma Bosley, aged 44
- Margaret Grant, aged 32
- John Haslar, aged 58
- Joan Lunn, aged 39
- Jill Mansfield, aged 34
- Sheri Munton, aged 20
- Father Gerard Weston, aged 38
Various representatives were present for the service, including members of the Royal British Legion, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, The Parachute Regimental Association, the Mayor of Rushmoor Borough Council, local religious representatives and Councillors. Following the service, a parade and march was held along Queen's Avenue.
Commenting, Leo said:
"A poignant Service of Commemoration as today we mark the 50th anniversary of the IRA bombing at HQ 16th Parachute Brigade Officers’ Mess - and pay tribute to the seven who lost their lives.
"Thank you to the Aldershot Parachute Regimental Association, Grainger plc, Aldershot Garrison, and many others who made today’s service - and this wonderful new Memorial Square - a reality."