Lisburn remembers soldiers killed in Lisburn bomb attack 35 years ago

June 15, 2023

The lives of six servicemen, murdered in Lisburn at a half marathon event 35 years ago, have been remembered at a special event in the city tonight (15 June).

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council held a commemoration in Market Place and wreaths were laid in memory of the soldiers who were killed in June 1988. 

The men had participated in a popular fun run to raise money for charity - and were on their way back to Thiepval Barracks when a terrorist bomb exploded and destroyed the vehicle in which they were travelling.

The servicemen who died were Sergeant Michael J. Winkler, Lance Corporal William J Paterson, Lance Corporal Graham P. Lambie, Lance Corporal Derek W. Green, Signalman Mark R. Clavey and Corporal Ian Metcalfe.

Tonight, The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Andrew Gowan was joined by Lt Col Simon Whitaker from Thiepval Barracks, fellow elected members, members of the Lisburn Branch of the Royal British Legion, the Royal British Legion Riders Branch and members of the public to pay tribute to the soldiers.

Reflecting on the atrocity, Councillor Gowan said: “A senseless terrorist attack 35 years ago is a dark time our city will never forget.  Annually as a close-knit community we fulfil our duty to mark this tragedy. I am humbled to lay a wreath in memory of the six brave soldiers murdered by the bomb, which detonated as they returned to Thiepval Barracks, killing all six and injuring 11 others.

“As a community we come together to pay our respects to the young soldiers who lost their lives on a warm summer evening like tonight. I offer my deepest sincerities to the families of those who died.  We acknowledge all innocent victims deeply impacted by this tragedy.”