Private R Smyth and Private R S T Wilson.
Killed at Burren Bridge 1 June 1990.
Private 24489077 Robert (Roy) SMYTH aged 18 3rd County Down Battalion. At rest in Comber Cemetery, County Down Section 19 Grave 93,
Private 24456669 Richard Samuel John WILSON aged 21, At rest in St Colman's Cemetery, Tullybrannigan Road, Newcastle, County Down, grave 45A
They were killed by the PIRA whilst on active service with the Operations Platoon, 3rd Ulster Defence Regiment 6th January 1980 aged 18. He was one of a section of four in the lead vehicle on a two vehicle patrol near Castlewellan, County Down. On their return to Ballykinlar Camp their vehicle was blown up by a 600lb home made land mine at Burren Bridge, near Caslewellan. The explosion left a thirteen foot crater.
Privates Robert Smyth and James Cochran were trapped under water underneath their vehicle in the crater which was filling up with water from a broken water main caused by the explosion. Three had died at the scene, two from fractured skulls and one may have drowned
(Private Cochran has a separate plaque at the war memorial.
Private 24205099 William John MORELAND, 3rd County Down Battalion. He was shot dead by the PIRA while delivering coal at Ardpatrick Avenue Downpatrick, County Down on the 16th December 1988 aged 36. At rest in Clough Presbyterian Churchyard, County Down.
Corporal 24244828 Thomas Trelford WITHERS Royal Irish Regiment. Ex 3 UDR
IRA gunmen with revolvers shot him in the head and chest while eating icecream with his assistant at the door to his butcher’s shop in Downpatrick Street Crossgar the afternoon of the 8 August 1994. He died immediately, aged 46, he was off duty.
His wife was visiting daughter in England when he was murdered, She saw the TV report and phoned the shop which was answered by the police. She and her daughter flew back from Newcastle Airport. At rest in Kilmore Presbyterian Cemetery, Drumaghlis Road, Crossgar, County Down Grave 274
All 3rd County Down Battalion Ulster Defence Regiment.
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
WO2 (CSM) J B McKeown 2015
