Newry and Armagh representatives have joined bereaved families, veterans and members of the public at Narrow Water, near Warrenpoint, to mark the 47th anniversary of one of the deadliest attacks of the Troubles.
On August 27, 1979, eighteen British soldiers were killed in two IRA bomb explosions at the Narrow Water estate, an ambush that sent shockwaves across Northern Ireland and the UK.
DUP MLA for Newry and Armagh, Gareth Wilson, said it had been “a privilege” to attend this year’s memorial service.
“It was a privilege to join with victims’ families, survivors, veterans and members of the wider community at Narrow Water today as we remembered those who were murdered in the horrific terrorist attack which took place here 47 years ago,” he said.
“The events of 27 August 1979 left an indelible scar on this area and across the United Kingdom. Eighteen British soldiers lost their lives in two devastating explosions carried out in cowardly fashion by the IRA. We remember each of those young men today and honour their courage, service and sacrifice.
“Today’s service provided an opportunity not only to remember those who died but also to reaffirm our support for victims and survivors. Their experiences must never be forgotten, marginalised or rewritten.
“The men who were murdered at Narrow Water served their country with distinction. Their sacrifice deserves to be remembered with dignity and respect, and future generations should understand the enormous price that was paid during Northern Ireland’s troubled past.
“I want to commend all those involved in organising today’s memorial service and ensuring that the memories of the victims are preserved. Through remembrance, we honour those who were lost and stand firmly against the violence that claimed their lives.”
Ulster Unionist Party representatives were also present at the commemoration.
Members of the Ulster Unionist Party at Narrow Water
Party leader Jon Burrows MLA, attended alongside party colleagues Jill Macauley and Sam Nicholson, and councillors David Taylor, Glen Barr and Kyle Savage.
Mr Burrows said it was an honour to lay a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives at Narrow Water.
“On this solemn anniversary we remember the 18 soldiers murdered in the devastating attack of 27 August 1979, 16 from the Parachute Regiment and two from the Queen’s Own Highlanders, along with Michael Hudson, a civilian shot dead in the aftermath,” he said.
“We think too of their families, friends and comrades, whose lives were changed forever by the events of that terrible day.
“That same afternoon, Lord Mountbatten was murdered at Mullaghmore, along with his 14‑year‑old grandson Nicholas Knatchbull, 15‑year‑old Paul Maxwell from Enniskillen, and Baroness Brabourne, who died the following day. Two atrocities, hours apart, that made 27 August 1979 one of the darkest days of the Troubles.
“We reflect on the appalling human cost of terrorism and pay tribute to those who served their country with courage and dedication. Their service and sacrifice must never be forgotten.
“We stand firmly with the innocent victims of terrorism and against every attempt to rewrite history, diminish their suffering or justify the violence inflicted upon them.
“We stand alongside all those who continue to carry the pain of loss.”
Wreaths were laid and names read out during the ceremony, which organisers say will continue annually to ensure the victims of Narrow Water are remembered by future generations.
