All countries have historical events that they wish had never happened, and Great Britain is no different. Also known as "Bloody Sunday", the Bogside Massacre is one of the less savoury episodes in British history. On January 30, 1972, 14 civil rights protesters in Derry, Northern Ireland, were killed by soldiers of the British Army.
As a result of sectarian unrest in Northern Ireland, and a growing resentment toward the British Army stationed there, the late 1960's saw a rise in violence in the country. This violence lead to mass arrest and imprisonment (without trial) of individuals suspected of being associated with the Irish Republican Army (IRA), sworn enemies of the British Army.
The Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA), planned a non-violent march to protest the action, and on Sunday, January 14, 1972, a crowd of some 15,000 assembled in Derry. Army barricades caused a rerouting of the march, and a group of youths broke away, to head to the Guildhall, home of the Derry Council. They attacked the British Army with stones, and were met with rubber bullets, tear gas, and a water cannon. In addition, the Army received received reports of an IRA sniper in the area, and the British Parachute Regiment were given the go-ahead to move in.
Soon, one youth lay dead; shot will fleeing the troops. A ceasefire order was issued, but with tensions high, the Army continued to fire on the crowds.
Thirteen males (including seven teenagers) were shot and killed by the Army. A fourteenth victim died several weeks later. Some were gunned down while attempting to flee, and others were shot while assisting the wounded. There were a number of other injuries, including two men who were run down by armoured personnel carriers.
Yes, a shameful day, and hopefully, one never repeated.
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