1 R IRISH mortared at Newtownbutler
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Two days after the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Rangers deployed to Northern Ireland, terrorists attempted to mortar RUC Newtownbutler, Fermanagh, occupied by 6 Platoon B Company. The home made Mark 10A mortars had been placed in a hijacked lorry which was then driven into a firing position close to the RUC station. Fortunately the mortars failed to fire, but during the subsequent clearance operation the Ammunition Technical Officer caused four of the mortars to function. Only one bomb detonated on impact inside the RUC station although two further bombs landed in the same crater. Damage was caused to the accommodation occupied by 6 Platoon and to vehicles parked in the yard, but fortunately there were no casualties.
To read an eyewitness account by a soldier serving there on that day please click on the Veteran's Story attached below.
