General the Lord Richard Dannatt, GCB, CBE, MC, DL, has spoken poignantly about the moment his driver was killed next to him during the Troubles in 1973…
The former Chief of the General Staff was paying tribute to Private Raymond ‘Tapper’ Hall as part of the Forces Radio and Forces TV #IRemember campaign.
“Tapper Hall fell with a bullet in his back and very sadly, later he died,” said Lord Dannatt. “It’s tough when your driver dies beside you.”
Lord Dannatt also paid tribute to a four-strong bomb disposal team led by Major Peter Willis who all died when an IRA landmine exploded near Crossmaglen in 1975.
In the lead up to Armistice Day 2016, you can also join the #IRemember campaign by posting a personal message on social media.
Serving personnel, veterans, historians, writers, and members of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins are already taking part in #IRemember to commemorate lives lost in conflict and service to our country.
Colonel Tim Collins, OBE, has recorded a moving #IRemember tribute to Trooper Steven ‘Legs’ Lane, who died in 1991 while serving with the SAS Bravo Two Zero patrol in Iraq.
Soldiers based in Northern Ireland have posted videos in memory of their great grandfathers who fought in the Somme in 1916, and in India during the Second World War.
Major Ant Sharman, OC B Squadron, Royal Wessex Yeomanry, remembers Lance Corporal Alan Brackenbury who was killed by an IED in Iraq while serving with the King’s Royal Hussars.
And Fiona Barrett, great niece of Sergeant Andrew Brownlie, 108 Squadron RAF, has used #IRemember to commemorate his death at the age of 29 in 1942 following an aircraft crash.
To join #IRemember, post your online video, photograph, or just a few words by Friday 11th November. Tag your message #IRemember on Facebook BFBS Radio or Twitter @bfbs.
Listen to BFBS Radio on DAB Digital Radio in the UK, on FM in the UK and on FM across the forces world, on Sky Guide 0211, Freesat Channel 786,www.bfbs.com and via the BFBS smartphone app.
