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Inquiry to hear from soldiers on the ground

(Seamus McKinney, Irish News)

The Saville inquiry will hear evidence from some of the key soldiers involved on the ground on Bloody Sunday over the next two months.

Lord Saville's inquiry, which resumes in London after the summer recess on Monday, is expected to remain in England until mid to late October before returning to Derry for the final hearings.

Before the summer the inquiry heard evidence from soldiers who were present as well as those who fired shots in William Street, behind the Rossville flats and in Rossville Street.

To date no soldier has admitted to killing any of the named dead although some have alleged that they shot at unidentified nail bombers.

As the inquiry moves into its final phase, some of the key witnesses on the ground will be questioned.

This Wednesday, Lieutenant 119 is expected to give evidence about events at Glenfada Park where William McKinney and Jim Wray were shot dead and five people were wounded. From Glenfada Park, Gerard McKinney and Gerry Donaghy were also shot dead.

Soldier 119 is expected to claim that his platoon came under fire from snipers in Glenfada Park.

At the start of October, Soldier F will start his evidence. With Soldier G (deceased), Soldier F is believed to be responsible for much of the shooting in the Glenfada Park area.

Unlike previous soldiers, Soldier F cannot claim he did not shoot any of the named dead as a bullet fired by him was retrieved from the body of teenager, Michael Kelly.

Michael Kelly's brother, John said that he expected that Soldier F's testimony would be difficult to hear.

He said that after more than 30 years, the Kelly family would finally be able to see the man who shot his brother dead.

The inquiry is expected to return to Derry in November when it is expected to hear evidence of Mid Ulster MP, Martin McGuinness. Mr McGuinness has told the inquiry he was second in command of the IRA in the Bogside at the time of Bloody Sunday. Lord Saville is expected to continue hearing evidence up until December 19.

September 6, 2003
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This article appeared first in the September 5, 2003 edition of the Irish News.


This article appears thanks to the Irish News. Subscribe to the Irish News



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