List of attacks on the Ulster Defence Regiment facts for kids

The Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) was a special part of the British Army. It was made up of soldiers who lived in Northern Ireland. Their job was to help keep the peace during a difficult time called the Troubles. The Troubles was a period of conflict and violence in Northern Ireland that lasted for about 30 years, from the late 1960s to the late 1990s.

This page tells you about some important attacks by groups like the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Official Irish Republican Army (OIRA) against UDR soldiers. These attacks often resulted in several deaths or were the first of their kind.

Important Events in 1971

First UDR Soldier Killed

On August 9, 1971, a UDR patrol was checking cars near the Clady Bridge border crossing in County Tyrone. Members of the Provisional IRA attacked them with a machine gun. Private Winston Donnell was killed right away. He was the first UDR soldier to die while on duty.

First Catholic UDR Soldier Killed

Later that year, on December 8, Private Sean Russell was shot and killed by the IRA. He was at his home in New Barnsley, Belfast. Sean Russell was the first Catholic UDR soldier to be killed.

Important Events in 1972

First UDR Officer Killed

On March 4, 1972, Captain Marcus McCausland was taken by the Official IRA. He was later killed. He was the first UDR officer to die.

Attack on a Soldier's Home

On September 21, 1972, a UDR soldier and his wife were at home near Derrylin. They were watching TV when the Provisional IRA shot and killed them both.

Important Events in 1974

Attack on a Former Officer

On April 10, 1974, Major George Saunderson was killed. He was a former senior officer in the UDR. Gunmen shot him in the kitchen of the school where he worked in Derrylin. The attackers then drove into the Republic of Ireland to escape.

Attack on Clogher Barracks

On May 2, 1974, a UDR base in Clogher was attacked. About 40 IRA members used mortars, guns, and rockets. They attacked the base for 25 minutes. The small group of UDR soldiers inside fought back. They were helped by armored vehicles. During the attack, Private Eva Martin was hit by a piece of a rocket. She died soon after. She was the first woman UDR soldier to be killed.

Important Events in 1991

New Type of Mortar Attack

On March 1, 1991, a UDR patrol was attacked. This was the first time a new type of horizontal mortar, called a Mk12, was used. Two soldiers were killed in this attack. One of them, Private Paul Sutcliffe, was from England. His funeral was held there, which was the only UDR funeral outside Northern Ireland. The second soldier, Private Roger Love, died three days later. His organs were donated to help others.

Glenanne Barracks Bombing

On May 31, 1991, a large bomb exploded at the Glenanne barracks. A truck with 2,000 pounds (about 900 kg) of home-made explosives was rolled down a hill. It crashed into the main building. The explosion was huge and could be heard over 30 miles away. Three UDR soldiers were killed: Paul Blakely (30), Robert Crozier (46), and Sydney Hamilton (44). Ten other soldiers and four civilians were also hurt. The Provisional IRA said they were responsible for the attack.

Important Events in 1992

Teebane Bombing

On January 17, 1992, two off-duty UDR soldiers were seriously hurt. They were in a van with 12 other workers. The van was hit by a bomb at Teebane, a crossroads between Omagh and Cookstown in County Tyrone. Eight other workers were killed in the explosion.

Last Major Attack

On June 17, 1992, one of the last major attacks on the UDR happened. A bomb in central Belfast wounded five UDR soldiers and two police officers. This happened shortly before the regiment changed its role.