Cpl Gerard Bristow 1 RWF - 16th April 1972

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Attachment 2966 Cpl Gerard Bristow was shot during the afternoon of the 16th April 1972. He was on foot patrol close to the junction of Ferguson St/Bishop St, Derry. The gunman from the Official IRA was located in the grounds of St Columbs College at Lecky Rd. Cpl Bristow died in hospital later that day. He was the regiment’s first fatality during this latest round of the “Troubles”.

The fatal attack was one of several mounted that day against the security forces by the OIRA following the killing of their leader Joe McCann. In another incident that afternoon a soldier from the WFR was also killed, and another seriously wounded.

Cpl Bristow was a member of the Anti Tank Platoon, Support Company 1 RWF. He was 26 year's old and was married with a 12 month-old son. He came from Newport, South Wales. He was later buried at Honiton. The Battalion also held a memorial service on the Square at Ebrington Bks, Londonderry on the 21st April 1972.

LCpl G Taylor was later mentioned in despatches for his actions during the incident.

In October 1979, two local men were jailed for Cpl Bristow’s murder. The younger of the two men, was ordered to be detained at the Secretary of States pleasure, as he was 18 at the time of the killing. A third man admitted manslaughter and was jailed for 10 years; a fourth member was acquitted.


Sources:

1. RWF Regimental Records Vol 7 IBSN 0 9525408 9 4
2. Lost Lives IBSN 1 84018 227 X

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My brother is good friends with Cpl Bristows family and to this day they ask me about the battalion and what we are up to as a regiment. I know that they will have no objection with this Forum.

I would like to pay my respects to this great man. I only knew him briefly in Hong Kong, I always found him to be cheerful, we shared a few beers, I was at Honiton the weekend of his funeral and met some of his mates.
Bob Fuller ex A.C.C. attached.

I also remember Gerard Bristow and the day it all happened. I was the Pl Sgt of the A/Tank Pl and took Gerald to hospital on that fatal day.

I will remember you for all time, my old mate, and on Remebrance Day each year - sleep easy my friend

Wally 15

Bristow was a genuine, kind hearted man, who was always up for a laugh and a joke.

I knew him well; it really hurt us all when he died.

I had just been promoted to 'Civvy Street' at the time.

so sad

A reminder for Cpl Bristow's comrades. He was killed this day in 1972.
(Thanks to Pete Dagnall for the reminder)

RIP

R.I.P Cpl Gerard Bristow, you were a great friend and comrade. God Bless you.

R.i.p gerard.

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RIP Gerard.

You will never be forgotten. miss you.

I've just had the privilege of a telephone conversation with his widow, Gill, as part of a regimental project to ensure all qualifying families receive The Elizabeth Cross. I've emphasised to her and her son that Gerard's comrades never forgot him, she sounded genuinely touched. Hopefully she will receive The Elizabeth Cross very soon.

Not Forgotten.

The years may pass, but the memories last. RIP Gerard.