Tuesday is the 30th anniversary to the day, when my friend and mentor, Capt Eric Shielles UDR, was murdered in front of his family. On the 29th of April 1977, I was 19 and I was returning home to the UK after my 4 month tour had come to an end. It was my birthday and I was very happy to be going home. Eric said he would toast my birthday in my absense. We had become good friends, via our joint passion for the countryside and especialy our shared interest of fishing. Eric never got to toast my birthday and I never saw him again. On my 19th birthday, the day I left Dungannon, Eric was murdered! Some cowardly bastard, walked up behind him as he walked up to his front door and blew his brains out.
One day, I will find the courage to visit his grave. I know where it is and I have a beer for him. One day we will share it together! I have placed a poppy on HIS TREE and I toast him every year, as I always have done!
To Eric's memory and to that brave band of brothers, THE UDR! SALUTE!
One day, I will find the courage to visit his grave. I know where it is and I have a beer for him. One day we will share it together! I have placed a poppy on HIS TREE and I toast him every year, as I always have done!
To Eric's memory and to that brave band of brothers, THE UDR! SALUTE!
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