Hyde Park and Regent's Park bombings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hyde Park and Regent's Park bombings |
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| Part of the Troubles | |
| Location | Hyde Park and Regent's Park, London, England |
| Coordinates |
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| Date | 20 July 1982 10:43 am – 12:55 pm |
| Target | British military personnel |
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Attack type
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Bombings |
| Deaths | 11 (4 Hyde Park, 7 Regents Park) |
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Non-fatal injuries
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At least 59 injured (28 Hyde Park, 31 Regents Park) |
| Perpetrators | Provisional Irish Republican Army |
The Hyde Park and Regent's Park bombings happened on July 20, 1982, in London, England. Members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) set off two bombs. These bombs exploded during military ceremonies in Hyde Park and Regent's Park. Both parks are in central London.
The London Park Bombings
These attacks caused great sadness and loss. They targeted members of the British military. The bombs were hidden and set off to cause harm.
What Happened?
The first bomb exploded in Hyde Park. It went off as soldiers from the Blues and Royals were riding horses. Four soldiers were killed in this attack. Seven of their horses also died. One horse, named Sefton, was badly hurt but survived. Sefton became famous and was even named "Horse of the Year".
Later that same day, a second bomb exploded in Regent's Park. This bomb targeted a band from the Royal Green Jackets. Seven bandsmen were killed in this second attack. In total, eleven military personnel died that day. At least 59 people were also injured.
Who Was Responsible?
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) carried out these bombings. The IRA was a group that wanted Northern Ireland to be separate from the United Kingdom.
Years later, a person named Gilbert "Danny" McNamee was found guilty of being involved with the Hyde Park bomb. He was sent to prison. However, he was later released, and his conviction was eventually overturned.
Another person, John Downey, was accused of being involved in the Hyde Park attack. His case went to court, but it did not lead to a conviction. A court later stated that he was an "active participant" in the bombing. No one has ever been found responsible for the Regent's Park bombing.
Remembering the Event
There is a special memorial in Hyde Park where the first bombing happened. Soldiers ride past it every day. They salute the memorial with their swords drawn. This is a way to honor those who died.
A plaque also stands in Regent's Park. It remembers the victims of the second attack. These memorials help people remember the tragic events of that day.
The bombings were even mentioned in a song. The band Pink Floyd released a song called "The Gunner's Dream" in 1983. It talks about a world where "maniacs don't blow holes in bandsmen by remote control." This shows how the event affected people.
