Ambush at Narrow Water Castle
THE MOST SUCCESSFUL IRA attack against British forces in 50 years took place at Narrow Water Castle, close to Warrenpoint in South Down, five hours after the execution of Lord Mountbatten. A full platoon of paratroopers was wiped out in an ambush which, according to a British Army spokesman, was laid ``with enormous skill''.
IRA explosives engineers planted a huge bomb and landmine. Both bombs were to be detonated by sophisticated radio-controlled devices from an ambush position set up by the Volunteers.
The soldiers, a rifle platoon, were members of the notorious 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment and were on a three-year posting to the North.
The British fatalities, besides Lieutenant-Colonel Blair, and a lance corporal from the [Queen's Own] Highlanders, include eight privates, two lance corporals, three corporals, two sergeants and Major Fursman, all of the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment. Two Paras were also seriously injured. The South Down Command of the Irish Republican Army claimed responsibility for the attack.
Phoblacht, 1 September 1979.
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