Derek was shot dead on the 2nd August 1979 when he and other members of the patrol attended a hoax burglary call to a house in Clonard Street, West Belfast.
The IRA were in a house opposite and had held the occupants hostage. When the patrol arrived and were getting out of their landrover Derek was shot and died instantly. He was stationed at Springfield Road Barracks. He was originally from Edinburgh and served in Northern Ireland with the army. I was stationed with Derek at Springfield Parade, Police Base, he then moved to Springfield Road Police Station, known as Springfield Barracks. He was a great chap to work with and would find no fault with any one. I and my other collegues, some also ex services, had the bond that you always find in the forces, we looked after each other, but sadly no one could look after him when he most needed it.
Ex Royal Highland Fusiliers
At rest in Roselawn Cemetery, Ballygowan Road, Belfast.
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