Downpatrick landmine attack facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Downpatrick landmine attack |
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| Part of the Troubles | |
 Location in Northern Ireland
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| Location | Ballydugan Road, Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland |
| Coordinates | 54°19′19.2″N 5°42′10.8″W / 54.322000°N 5.703000°W |
| Date | 9 April 1990 |
| Target | Ulster Defence Regiment |
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Attack type
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Improvised land mine |
| Deaths | 4 soldiers |
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Non-fatal injuries
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4 soldiers, 1 civilian |
| Perpetrator | Provisional IRA |
On April 9, 1990, a group called the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) used a large hidden bomb, called a landmine, to attack a group of British Army vehicles near Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland. Four soldiers from the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) died in this attack. It was a very sad day for the UDR, as they had not lost so many soldiers at once since 1983.
Contents
Understanding the Troubles
This attack happened during a difficult time in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles. This was a period of conflict and violence. Different groups had strong disagreements about whether Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom or join the Republic of Ireland.
Who Was the IRA?
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) was a group that wanted Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom. They used violence to try and achieve their goals. They often attacked British Army patrols and convoys.
Who Was the UDR?
The Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) was a part of the British Army. Its soldiers were mostly from Northern Ireland. They helped to keep peace and order during the Troubles.
The Attack on the Convoy
On the morning of April 9, 1990, two armored vehicles from the UDR were driving. They were going from Ballykinler Barracks to Downpatrick.
How the Bomb Was Hidden
A group from the IRA had placed a very large bomb. It weighed about 1,000 pounds (450 kg). They hid it inside a culvert under the Ballydugan Road. A culvert is like a tunnel that lets water flow under a road.
The Moment of the Explosion
The IRA unit waited in some nearby woods. They were about 350 feet (100 meters) away. When the UDR vehicles drove over the culvert, the IRA set off the bomb. They used a wire to do this.
The explosion was huge. It blew one of the vehicles into a nearby field. It also made a very large hole in the road. This hole was about 50 feet (15 meters) wide and 15 feet (4.5 meters) deep.
Who Was Affected?
Four soldiers were killed in the blast. Their names were Michael Adams (23), John Birch (28), John Bradley (25), and Steven Smart (23). This was the biggest loss of life for the UDR since 1983. The soldiers in the second vehicle were very shaken. They were taken to the hospital. A civilian driver nearby was also very shocked. Another civilian got some cuts and bruises.
What Happened Next?
The people who set off the bomb got away. They used a motorcycle that had been stolen a week earlier. The motorcycle was later found in Downpatrick. The IRA later said they were responsible for the attack.
Leaders Speak Out
Margaret Thatcher, who was the Prime Minister of Britain, spoke about the attack. She was very sad about the deaths. Charles Haughey, who was the leader of the Republic of Ireland (called the Taoiseach), also spoke. He said the attack was a terrible act.
Arrests Made
Later, a 23-year-old man was arrested. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his part in the attack. He had helped the bombers by driving a "scout car" the day before the attack. This car was used to check the area where the bomb was planted.
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