British and unionist politicians fumed at the existence of Free Derry. But internment had stiffened the community’s resolve. An anti-internment march was planned for 30 January 1972.
Fifteen thousand people gathered in Creggan on a bright, crisp winter’s day. There were rumours that paratroopers were amongst the heavy British Army presence in town, but the mood was cheerful. A peaceful day (by Derry standards), was expected.
The march began shortly after 3pm. A little over an hour later, 13 men and boys lay dead - innocent and unarmed marchers shot down by members of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment; a 14th man died later from his wounds. Seventeen others, including two women, were injured. Some were shot in the back as they tried to flee. One victim was shot a second time and killed as he lay injured, others were shot as they tried to help the injured and dying.
The Shootings
At 3.55pm, away from the riot in William Street, the British Army opened fire. John Johnston (59) and Damian Donaghy (15) were hit. John Johnston died from his injuries five months later in June.
In Glenfada Park
The shooting continues as paratroopers advance into Glenfada Park, a quiet cul-de-sac in the Bogside.
The Aftermath
The British Army labelled the victims gunmen and bombers. They claimed their soldiers had met a “fusillade of fire”, even though no soldier or vehicle had been hit.
The Funerals
The Bloody Sunday funerals were massive events, attended by political, civic and religious representatives from around the world.
The Widgery Tribunal
On 1 February, a public inquiry headed by Lord Chief Justice Widgery was announced by British Prime Minister Ted Heath. He told Widgery in a secret memo that they were “…fighting not only a military war but a propaganda war.”
