Two UDR soldiers who were murdered in Fermanagh by a bomb 50 years ago were remembered by their families this week.
Lance Corporal Alfred (Alfie) Johnston (32), a father of four, and Private James (Jim) Eames (33), a father of three, died on August 25, 1972, when a 150lb device exploded in a car they were checking near the Cherrymount roundabout, Irvinestown road, Enniskillen.
Private James Edward Eames.
Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston.
The pair were remembered on Sunday by their comrades from the Fermanagh Branch of 4 UDR CGC Association, who conducted a large aspect of the formal proceedings.
Graveside orations were delivered at Alfie’s graveside at St. Molaise Parish, Devenish Church of Ireland, and an oration for James took place at Rossorry Parish Church.
The orations were then followed by a service conducted in Rossorry Parish Church by the Rev. Charles Eames, a nephew of James Eames.
In his sermon, Rev. Eames said: “The Johnston and Eames families have lived with the pain that the events of August 25, 1972 caused for almost 50 years now, and we will continue to do so for the rest of our lives.
“That is why any attempt to deny justice to them and all other families of innocent victims must be resisted.”
Reflecting on the present situation, Rev. Eames said: “We live in a country that is still divided, and while there is less violence than in times past, that does not mean that everything is rosy in the garden, as the saying goes.
“As we remember the terrible events of almost 50 years ago, we pray that the next generations might learn from the past and strive to do things differently.”
He continued: “While we do not really want to view ourselves as being the older generation, the fact is that most of us are, and we have the grey hairs, the wrinkles and the bodies that let us down to prove it.
“We can sometimes feel hopeless, and wonder if the loss of our loved one was pointless, and understand that today more than ever.”
However, Rev. Eames also looked to the future in his sermon as he said: “We can only hope that those who are younger might find a way to live together, respecting differing opinions, whilst holding fast to their own beliefs in a peaceful way, no matter what else may happen around them.
“If that day arrives, then the sacrifice of Alfie and Jim, and sadly all too many of our countrymen and women, will not have been in vain.”
Speaking on behalf of the Johnston family in remembrance of her father, Alfie’s daughter, Sandra, said: “This is a sad day in a series of sad days.
“It is hard to believe that it has been 50 years since my father was murdered. There were so many lost opportunities – all our childhoods, family gatherings and celebrations, including the birth of his grandchildren, and his soon to be great-grandchild.
“The impact of his murder on the whole family circle was huge, and can only really be understood by those who have lost loved ones in tragic circumstances.
“We remember, in particular, the family of James Eames who was killed in the same incident.”
Victims and survivor’s organisation, South East Fermanagh Foundation, helped organise the memorial service in memory of the two soldiers.
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