Home   Deal   News   Article

Memorial to 11 musicians killed in IRA bombing of Royal Marines School of Music in Deal on 30th anniversary

A private memorial service for 11 Royal Marines killed in an IRA bombing in Deal takes place tomorrow on the 30th anniversary of the atrocity.

It is only for marines and the families of the musicians who lost their lives in the attack, which happened at 8.22am on Friday, September 22, 1989.

The Royal Marines Memorial Garden
The Royal Marines Memorial Garden

Leading the service will be Reverend Jane Walker, the sister of Bob Simmonds who was one of the 11 murdered.

The Royal Marines Band Service will be represented by the principal director of music Lieutenant Colonel Jon Ridley, who will read aloud the names of those killed.

He will be accompanied by a small musical ensemble and bugler who will sound the Last Post and Reveille at 8.25am, the time the bomb exploded.

Wreathes will then be laid by families, friends and by representatives of the Royal Marines, the Deal Memorial Bandstand, the Royal Marines Association Club and the local councils.

Chairman of the Royal Marines Bandstand Trust Derek Lindars said: "Every year families, friends and former Royal Marines gather on September 22 to remember those we lost, and so the 30th anniversary is a particularly poignant time for us all.

The Royal Marines Memorial Garden, is built on the site where the IRA's bomb was detonated. It was hidden in a sofa in the Coffee Boat recreation room in the barracks at Canada Road, Walmer
The Royal Marines Memorial Garden, is built on the site where the IRA's bomb was detonated. It was hidden in a sofa in the Coffee Boat recreation room in the barracks at Canada Road, Walmer

"This year, we will be welcoming very many former members of the Royal Marines Band Service who will travel from far and wide to join us at the memorial garden to take part in our act of remembrance."

A memorial match between serving Royal Marines and Deal & Betteshanger Rugby Club will mark the anniversary afterwards.

The Corps of Drums will be marching and playing on the Drill Field ahead of kick off at 2pm. A brass band will also play. Entry is free. All are welcome

Read more: All the latest news from Deal

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More