Guildford Pays Tribute to Victims of the 1974 Pub Bombing Atrocity

Published on: 7 Oct, 2024
Updated on: 7 Oct, 2024

The Mayor of Guildford lays a wreath under the new plaque in Quakers’ Acre, dedicated to the victims of the Guildford bombing in 1974.

By David Reading

The 50th anniversary of the Guildford pub bombing was marked in a moving commemoration service at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford on Sunday (October 6).

Tributes were paid to the five young people who died and the 65 others who were injured on October 5, 1974, when a bomb exploded at the Horse and Groom pub. The Seven Stars was also targeted but it had already been evacuated.

Remembering the victims of the atrocity, the Mayor, Cllr Sallie Barker, said: “Even after all these years, the memory of that tragic night on still lingers in the hearts of so many.”

In Ireland the President, Michael D Higgins, also paid tribute to the five who lost their lives, the bereaved families and those who were injured.

“Fifty years on, as we reflect on the tragedy of that day, I wish to express my solidarity with those affected by this appalling atrocity,” he said. He called for reaffirmation of the “commitment to peace” and of continuing the “important work of addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland”.

Before the main service at Guildford, the Rector of Holy Trinity, Canon Simon Butler, and the Mayor led a small party to the memorial site at Quakers’ Acre where there was a private moment of reflection. The party consisting of family members, the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, representatives from the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Association and the Scots Guards Association, as well as members of the emergency services and Pubwatch.

The new plaque bearing the names of the five who were murdered in The Horse & Groom pub.

The Last Post sounded and the Lament was piped before the assembled party observed a minute’s silence in memory of the victims. This was followed by the laying of wreaths and flowers in front of a newly installed bronze plaque. The names of those who lost their lives in the bombing are inscribed on it:

Paul Craig
William Forsyth
Ann Hamilton
John Hunter
Caroline Slater

The plaque was presented to Guildford this month by the WRAC Association and Scots Guards Association as part of this year’s commemoration. The Rector blessed the plaque, then the party made its way back to the High Street to be joined councillors and other civic figures to process from the Guildhall to the church.

The ceremony in Quakers’ Acre

The Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Rev’d Andrew Watson, preached at the service that included hymns, readings, and prayers.

The Mayor said: “Five young lives were lost, others were badly injured, and many lives were changed forever. So, 50 years on, it’s important for the town to come together and remember.

“For many here today, this has been an incredibly emotional day, as we pause to reflect with our acts of remembrance.”

The Rector said: “It’s very important for the families and those most affected to be able to gather as close as they can to the site of the tragedy. We hope that this private, peaceful moment brings them comfort before the public commemoration of the anniversary.”

A parade in the High Street was part of the commemoration.

The Chief Executive Officer of the WRAC Association, Paula Rogers, said: “The loss of Private Ann Hamilton and Private Caroline Slater was felt throughout the Women’s Royal Army Corps in 1974, and 50 years on continues to impact our veterans. On the day they were so cruelly taken they were robbed of the life they were born to lead.

“Many others were also affected. Their families whose dignity and resilience brings them to Guildford to remember their loved ones, other military and civilian casualties, Servicewomen who were not present but who worked through the aftermath, including informing the families of their loss have borne the effects of the bombings, some of whom have made the journey to be in Guildford this weekend.

“As we stand with the Scots Guards and the Borough of Guildford, our veterans will reflect on their own oath to serve, and the ultimate sacrifice given that day in 1974 and remember together Private Ann Hamilton and Private Caroline Slater.”