Bloody Sunday: The Tragedy, Causes and Aftermath

The events of Bloody Sunday on January 30, 1972, in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, remain a significant and contentious episode in British military history. This article delves into the causes, the actions of the military, and the aftermath of this tragic day, using the findings of the Saville Enquiry to shed light on the circumstances and findings.

Cause and Atmosphere Leading to Bloody Sunday

The weeks leading up to the march on January 30, 1972, were marked by a febrile atmosphere in Londonderry and Northern Ireland as a whole. This charged environment was exacerbated by recent events, such as the murder of two police officers in Derry just the Friday before. An Enquiry reported that the atmosphere was tense, with multiple eyewitness accounts of seeing armed men and carloads of weapons being distributed.

Several witnesses testifying before the Enquiry stated that they had seen gunmen firing at the ranks of the Parachute Regiment (Para). Additionally, the presence of rioters throwing stones and engaging in violent behavior, such as the two individuals accused of being loyalist paramilitaries, added to the chaos and tension.

Actions of the British Army

When it comes to the actions taken by the British Army, the findings of the Saville Enquiry paint a complex picture. While the Enquiry confirmed that two of those killed were indeed paramilitaries, it found that there was no justification for any of the killings. According to the Enquiry, the soldier who shot the man carrying nail bombs did so under false assumptions. The evidence also showed that this gunman was not actively throwing the bomb during the shooting incident.

The Enquiry also highlighted the aggressive reputation of the Parachute Regiment. This reputation was emphasized in their own testimony, where some soldiers provided accounts of actions that seem more than questionable. One account, for instance, described a soldier who claimed to have fired 19 shots at a gunman in a window. Despite being shot at 18 times previously, this gunman continued to return to the window, even though it did not break after 19 rounds of fire.

Critical Factors and Responsibilities

An important factor in the conduct of the British Army on Bloody Sunday was the aggressive reputation of the Para, which was influenced by their commanding officer. The Enquiry emphasized that the Para's CO should not have deployed his troops into the Bogside (the Catholic neighborhoods in Derry). The CO himself testified that other troops were less confrontational during riots, but his troops were not so passive. This aggressive stance was not justified for policing riotous behavior in 1972.

One expression that reflects the attitude of the Para is the adage, "sweating like a Para in a spelling test," which indicates their fierce reputation among their peers. The findings of the Enquiry also suggest that the actions of these soldiers were sometimes more out of irritation and aggression than a rational response to the situation. This aggressive presence on the ground, coupled with an unstable and militarized atmosphere, led to the tragic events of Bloody Sunday.

Aftermath and Legacy

While the immediate aftermath of Bloody Sunday saw a profound and widespread reaction, it was the findings of the Saville Enquiry that provided the beginning of a comprehensive understanding of the events. The Enquiry confirmed that no one involved in the shootings was justified in their actions, including the two paramilitaries. The Enquiry's thorough investigation and findings, along with an official apology, marked a significant step towards reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Despite some soldiers' post-Bloody Sunday behavior being described as disgusting, the thorough investigation and subsequent acknowledgment of the faults have brought a measure of closure. The tragedy of Bloody Sunday remains a profound event in the history of Northern Ireland, highlighting the complexities of military operations in conflict zones and the importance of thorough investigations in maintaining a just and peaceful society.