Army, Veterans and ADSL Pay Tribute as Families Unveil New Memorial for the Victims on 50th Anniversary of Aldershot IRA Bombing

On Tuesday 22 February 2022, a new memorial was unveiled to mark the 50th anniversary of the Aldershot IRA bombing that claimed seven lives and wounded 19 others.

The new heptagonal memorial plinth unveiled by family members of the victims, has each side representing each of those who lost their lives on that day; Mary Thelma Bosley, Margaret Jean Grant, John Charles Hasler, Joan Violet Lunn, Jill Cynthia Mansfield, Sheri Christina Munton and The Reverend Gerard Weston.

The ceremony began with a private service of commemoration attended by the families of those who were killed and injured in the attack. Over 300 veterans and representatives from the Army, some of whom travelled from all over the UK, including a couple from Malta, were also present at the ceremony.

A moment of silence followed the unveiling, after which the family members, led by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and accompanied by a lone piper, laid wreaths, and flowers on the memorial.

ADSL Aldershot Transport Depot Manager, Chris Kaminski who attended the ceremony, and laid a wreath on behalf of the company, observed that “it was a very fitting tribute to those who lost their lives and a time of personal reflection for all. As a veteran and now a manager for Aspire Defence Services Limited, it was both very humbling and a great honour to be asked to represent the company.”

The ceremony, which was put together by the Aldershot Branch Parachute Regimental Association organising committee, ended with a parade along Queens Avenue. The march was led by the members of the Band of the Household Cavalry with the veterans bringing up the rear.

The families, distinguished guests and veterans were later hosted to a curry lunch at Garretts Club which was supported by Aspire Defence Services Limited and Sodexo.