Jump to content

Woolwich pub bombing

Coordinates: 51°29′15″N 0°03′22″E / 51.4874°N 0.0561°E / 51.4874; 0.0561
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Woolwich pub bombing
the pub in 2018
LocationWoolwich, London, United Kingdom
Coordinates51°29′15″N 0°03′22″E / 51.4874°N 0.0561°E / 51.4874; 0.0561
Date7 November 1974
10:15 pm (GMT)
Attack type
Bomb
Deaths2
Injured35
PerpetratorProvisional Irish Republican Army

The Woolwich pub bombing was an attack by the Provisional Irish Republican Army on the Kings Arms, Woolwich on the south bank of the Thames in London, United Kingdom.

On 7 November 1974, two people were killed in the explosion: Gunner Richard Dunne (aged 42), of the Royal Artillery (the Barracks is just 100 yards away), and Alan Horsley (aged 20), a sales clerk.[1] A further 35 people, including the landlady, Margaret Nash, were injured. Echoing similar attacks in Guildford the previous month, a bomb, made of 6 lb of gelignite plus shrapnel, had been thrown through the window into the pub.

Initially a left-wing extremist group called Red Flag 74 said it had placed the bomb,[2] but responsibility was subsequently claimed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and specifically by part of the Active Service Unit apprehended at the Balcombe Street Siege. Some of the Guildford Four were wrongfully charged with involvement in this bombing.[3][4]

In continuation of a 'troubles' overseas offensive, the Royal Artillery barracks were bombed by the IRA in December 1983.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "History repeating itself: Same barracks were targeted by IRA bombers nearly 40 years ago". Express. 23 May 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  2. ^ "BOMB IN LONDON PUB KILLS ONE, HURTS 26". The New York Times. 8 November 1974. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  3. ^ An Phoblacht/Republican News, (7 May 1998)
  4. ^ "Woolwich pub bombing: murder of Alan HORSLEY and Richard Copeland Sloan DUNNE and injury..." National Archives. Retrieved 18 April 2018.