Bloody Sunday Soldier Walks Free After Acquittal, Confirming Unarmed Civilians Were Shot Dead

Strategic Insights -

The Soldier, known as Soldier F, who was acquitted of murdering James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday, had previously confessed to fatally shooting four people on the day. Testifying at the 2003 Saville Inquiry, Soldier F admitted to killing Barney McGuigan, Paddy Doherty, Michael Kelly, and another man he falsely said was throwing a nail bomb. The inquiry, which investigated the January 1972 shootings in Derry city that left 14 civilians dead, was told that members of the Parachute Regiment had shot dead unarmed civilians. Former Prime Minister David Cameron apologized in 2010, saying the actions of the Army were "unjustified and unjustifiable." Soldier F's military background was also revealed, including his service in the Parachute Regiment and his promotion to sergeant major.

Key Takeaways:

  • Soldier F, a former Parachute Regiment soldier, was acquitted of murdering James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday.
  • He had previously confessed to fatally shooting four people on the day, including Barney McGuigan, Paddy Doherty, Michael Kelly, and another man.
  • Soldier F admitted to causing the death of 13 people, with another soldier, Soldier 027, stating that he and another soldier, Soldier G, "probably shot eight to 10 people that day".
  • The Saville Inquiry heard that Soldier F fired a total of 13 rounds from 108 shots fired by paratroopers on Bloody Sunday.
  • Former Prime Minister David Cameron apologized in 2010 for the actions of the Army on Bloody Sunday, saying they were "unjustified and unjustifiable".
  • Soldier F's military background was revealed, including his service in the Parachute Regiment and his promotion to sergeant major.

Statistics:

  • 14 civilians were dead after the January 1972 shootings in Derry city.
  • 108 shots were fired by paratroopers on Bloody Sunday.
  • 13 rounds were fired by Soldier F on Bloody Sunday.
  • 3,000 to 4,000 people were on the streets on Bloody Sunday.
  • 1,000 men were arrested on the day, with some being taken back to St George's Army base in Derry.

Sources:

  • Saville Inquiry testimony of Soldier F
  • Saville Inquiry report, 2010
  • BBC News report, "Bloody Sunday: Soldier walks free after acquittal", 14 April 2022
  • The Guardian report, "Bloody Sunday soldier acquitted of murder of two civilians", 14 April 2022