MoD’s 1,300 letters on Ulster deaths

THE Ministry of Defence has sent more than 1,300 letters to former soldiers seeking information on deaths in Northern Ireland.

The Army veterans – many in their 60s and 70s – are potential murder or manslaughter suspects over killings at the height of the IRA’s terror campaign.

They have been contacted over around 40 incidents dating back to the 1970s, including Bloody Sunday. Critics claim it is fresh evidence of a ‘witch-hunt’ against troops who served during the Troubles.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has sparked anger by re-examining every British Army killing. There is outrage that hundreds of elderly ex-soldiers – many suffering serious illnesses – are being put through another ordeal.

The Daily Mail has long campaigned for an end to the hounding of our troops. A freedom of information request by the Belfast Telegraph revealed the MoD had sent at least 1,381 letters to veterans.

The total will be higher because the MoD did not disclose cases where fewer than ten letters were sent.

Some 386 letters relate to Bloody Sunday, when 13 people were shot dead as troops opened fire on demonstrators in Londonderry.

The MoD said it had an obligation to assist with investigations, adding: ‘The welfare of our personnel and veterans is of the utmost importance.’