On this day in 11981 - a reason to accept NI special treatme
Discussion
Today in 1981, the PIRA murdered a man who was a hero.
There were bombs planted in London and the bomb squad turned out. Kenneth Howarth went to defuse the first one. It exploded, killing him instantly. It was booby-trapped.
The chap was a hero by anyone’s description. He risked his life time and again approaching and defusing PIRA terrorist devices. He must have thought that it was likely he would meet something that would kill him.
What happened next was that a colleague of Kenneth Howarth, Peter Gurney, then went to defuse a second device. He was well aware that it was likely to be identical to the one that killed his experienced colleague. If Howarth had been killed, then what chance he?
Such people should not be forgotten. Howarth’s death, his murder, was a tragedy; he left a wife and children. The world has precious few heroes. His wasn't a quick reaction in risking his life. He went in with cold consideration. The bomb disposal officers went in with a tape recorder strapped to their backs as this was the spot where they were most likely to survive a blast. Just imagine putting that on each day.
So when you wonder why NI should be given special consideration in the Brexit talks, perhaps it’s worth stretching a point or two.
RIP Kenneth Howarth – a hero.
There were bombs planted in London and the bomb squad turned out. Kenneth Howarth went to defuse the first one. It exploded, killing him instantly. It was booby-trapped.
The chap was a hero by anyone’s description. He risked his life time and again approaching and defusing PIRA terrorist devices. He must have thought that it was likely he would meet something that would kill him.
What happened next was that a colleague of Kenneth Howarth, Peter Gurney, then went to defuse a second device. He was well aware that it was likely to be identical to the one that killed his experienced colleague. If Howarth had been killed, then what chance he?
Such people should not be forgotten. Howarth’s death, his murder, was a tragedy; he left a wife and children. The world has precious few heroes. His wasn't a quick reaction in risking his life. He went in with cold consideration. The bomb disposal officers went in with a tape recorder strapped to their backs as this was the spot where they were most likely to survive a blast. Just imagine putting that on each day.
So when you wonder why NI should be given special consideration in the Brexit talks, perhaps it’s worth stretching a point or two.
RIP Kenneth Howarth – a hero.
Did you know him Derek? If so, I understand why you wish to mark his passing and in such heroic circumstances as defusing a bomb left by terrorists.
Many others were killed and injured during that time including civilians by the PIRA and UDA and should not be forgotten in their passing.
However, to link this sad event to todays' Brexit negotiation is insensitive to say the least.
Many others were killed and injured during that time including civilians by the PIRA and UDA and should not be forgotten in their passing.
However, to link this sad event to todays' Brexit negotiation is insensitive to say the least.
Cantaloupe said:
Derek Smith said:
So when you wonder why NI should be given special consideration in the Brexit talks, perhaps it’s worth stretching a point or two.
RIP Kenneth Howarth – a hero.
Gotta be a contender for the most surreal and tenuous Brexit thread.RIP Kenneth Howarth – a hero.
Where that come from ?
The pair were 'my' bomb sqad officers in the 70s and 80s. Gurney was awarded the MBE twice. I think he deserves to be remembered. I was going to post in on FB and then I thought, given the current criticism of the WA, we should, perhaps, consider its costs.
The only surreal thing is that Peter Gurney, twice awarded the MBE, went to defuse the second device.
pequod said:
Did you know him Derek? If so, I understand why you wish to mark his passing and in such heroic circumstances as defusing a bomb left by terrorists.
Many others were killed and injured during that time including civilians by the PIRA and UDA and should not be forgotten in their passing.
However, to link this sad event to todays' Brexit negotiation is insensitive to say the least.
He came to some of the bomb calls I was involved with. I had one I was cergtain was a bomb. It was a hoax, a well organised one, but he went in. Many others were killed and injured during that time including civilians by the PIRA and UDA and should not be forgotten in their passing.
However, to link this sad event to todays' Brexit negotiation is insensitive to say the least.
His sacrifice allowed the GF agreement to come about because the PIRA couldn't win by violence and bombs alone.
Cantaloupe said:
Derek Smith said:
So when you wonder why NI should be given special consideration in the Brexit talks, perhaps it’s worth stretching a point or two.
RIP Kenneth Howarth – a hero.
Gotta be a contender for the most surreal and tenuous Brexit thread.RIP Kenneth Howarth – a hero.
Where that come from ?
There is NO tragedy the Remoaners and Left will not try to hijack to stop Brexit.
All that needs to be said is that these guys risked their lives to stop terrorism.
Perpetrated by the same terrorists that Corbyn spends far too much time cosying up to, and applauding their actions.
pequod said:
Did you know him Derek? If so, I understand why you wish to mark his passing and in such heroic circumstances as defusing a bomb left by terrorists.
Many others were killed and injured during that time including civilians by the PIRA and UDA and should not be forgotten in their passing.
However, to link this sad event to todays' Brexit negotiation is insensitive to say the least.
Today is the anniversary of his death so I don't think it's unreasonable. Especially since some PHers keen on Brexit seem to shrug off concerns about what will happen next in Northern Ireland with so little concern.Many others were killed and injured during that time including civilians by the PIRA and UDA and should not be forgotten in their passing.
However, to link this sad event to todays' Brexit negotiation is insensitive to say the least.
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