Murdered policemen remembered by DUP at Derry war memorial
East Derry MP Gregory Campbell, Foyle MLA Gary Middleton, Lord William Hay and local councillors marked the murders of Sergeant Peter Gilgunn and Constable David Montgomery with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in the Diamond
Two police officers murdered by the IRA 53 years ago have been remembered by a commemoration in Derry.
East Derry MP Gregory Campbell, Foyle MLA Gary Middleton, Lord William Hay and local councillors marked the murders of Sergeant Peter Gilgunn and Constable David Montgomery with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in the Diamond.
Sergeant Gilgunn, a 26-year old catholic, and Constable Montgomery, a 20-year-old protestant, lost their lives in an IRA ambush on Creggan Hill on January 27, 1972. They were murdered by the IRA using a Thompson sub machine gun.
Mr Campbell said: “Today, we remember two brave young men who were cruelly taken in the line of duty. Whilst much focus is placed on events known as 'Bloody Sunday' three days later in the same area of Londonderry, few remember that a Thompson Sub-machine gun was used on both days.
"Whilst it is the anniversary of these two murders it is also for all the innocents, whom we must always remember.
"There are some who seek to rewrite history, but these murders stand as a stark reminder of the brutal reality of the Troubles and the dangers faced by members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary who served and sought to uphold law and order for all. They must not be forgotten”
Mr Middleton added: “This is an important opportunity to honour their courage and dedication, ensuring their sacrifice is never overlooked while other events get books and headlines written.
"It is so important to pause and reflect on this poignant anniversary, fifty three years later, as we remember the cost of terrorism and the need for continued efforts to build a peaceful future.”