Memorials to two Army corporals killed during 1988 funeral horror
PLAQUES have been unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire in memory of two serving soldiers who were murdered in one of the most infamous atrocities of the Troubles.
It’s 31 years since corporals Derek Wood and David Howes were dragged from their car by a mob after straying into the path of the IRA funeral cortege of Kevin Brady, one of those killed when loyalist Michael Stone attacked a funeral in Milltown cemetery.
Harrowing video footage of the March 19, 1988, incident showed the two Royal Signals’ corporals being pulled from the car, beaten to the ground and disarmed.
As they were being stripped of their clothing, documents recovered from their pockets identified the men as soldiers.
Seemingly resigned to their fate, the two corporals appeared to offer little or no resistance as they were driven to the nearby Casement Park GAA ground/ Penny Lane area where they were again assaulted before being shot dead.
UUP MLA Doug Beattie hailed the “quiet dignity” with which the plaques were unveiled by 200 Royal Signals veterans last Saturday.
“I was sent the photographs by someone who attended the service who sadly felt unable to publish them on social media for fear of the comments he might attract,” he said.
“We’ve all seen the attacks on memorials for servicemen over recent months and the abuse people supporting memorials have received on social media.
“Many of the memorials to former soldiers and PSNI officers are placed out of public view, in memorial gardens or in barracks.
“Veterans like to remember their own.
“It’s just sad in a way that it was felt this could not be shared to a wider audience for fear of the abuse that would follow.
“It was a very quiet, peaceful reflection and remembrance for two soldiers who died in such a public and horrific manner 30 years after their murder.”