The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Veterans facing a ‘witchhunt’ over conduct during conflicts
MSP backs plans for protest campaign against ‘betrayal’ of official probes
Black Watch veterans from the regiment’s recruitment heartland have spoken of their fears over an investigation into the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
The historical inquiries are probing 3,200 deaths recorded during the conflict, including those linked to the military.
British troops have been pursued by law firms examining allegations of misconduct in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Among veterans facing prosecution are two former British paratroopers, who face trial for the murder of IRA gunman Joe Mccann in 1972.
And a former soldier in the Lifeguards regiment, Dennis Hutchings, faces trial for attempted murder following a fatal shooting in Northern Ireland in 1974.
Former service personnel have already been questioned and at least one unnamed Scottish ex-soldier has been told he could face prosecution in connection with the shooting in 1975 of Patrick Quail, 37, whose death was initially blamed on loyalists.
While terrorists convicted of violence were freed under the Good Friday Agreement and are now immune from prosecution, the campaigning soldiers from Fife believe every veteran is now being “betrayed”. The men are launching a public petition and plan a campaign of protests, supported by politicians and former comrades.
Private Eddie Pratt, 55, of Methilhill, Fife, who served tours in Belfast from 1980 to 1984, said: “Why must we live under a cloud of suspicion, waiting for a knock on the door because we put our lives at risk?”
The campaign is supported by defence expert Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Crawford, who said: “It feels like a witchhunt.”
MSP Maurice Corry, Scottish Conservative armed forces spokesman, said: “I’m appalled. Many involved in conflicts live with stress and trauma. I will do everything to ensure these threats are lifted.”
MP Carol Monaghan, the SNP’S armed forces spokeswoman claimed veterans who “served with honour in the most difficult, stressful and dangerous circumstances, have nothing to fear from the investigations into the wrongdoings of a few rogue operators”.
Private Norman Ednie, 55, also served tours from 1982 until 1989. He said: “My daughter was born on the day after I left for my first tour and I didn’t see her for six months. That was my first sacrifice. There would be many, many more.”
Veteran of 13 tours from 1969, Warrant Officer 2 Ian Macdonald, 74, said: “We lost good men to the IRA. This is a betrayal which may never end.”