Gerard Weston

Father Gerard Edward Weston MBE (20 October 1933 – 22 February 1972) was a Roman Catholic priest and military chaplain.

Educated at St Mary's College, Crosby and Upholland, where he was ordained by Archbishop Heenan in 1960. He joined the British Army in 1966 as an army chaplain, serving in Germany, the Persian Gulf, Kenya and Northern Ireland. He achieved the rank of Captain.

During the height of the Troubles, he frequently entered alone the dangerous areas of Ballymurphy and Turf Lodge in Belfast, talking with local people in an attempt to reduce tension. He was in great personal danger, especially as a rumour circulated that a British soldier was operating disguised as a priest.

For his own safety, his commanding officer eventually ordered his withdrawal, and he was awarded the MBE for gallantry on 15 February 1972.[1]

Seven days later, Father Weston drew up in his Morris Traveller car at the car-park of the Officers' Mess of the 16th Parachute Brigade in Aldershot. As he was exiting his vehicle, a huge bomb exploded, killing the padre instantly, together with six civilians. He was 38 years old.[2][3]

The Official IRA claimed responsibility, in retaliation for Bloody Sunday three weeks earlier. Public revulsion at the attack was in part responsible for the organisation ordering a ceasefire three months later, and it later disbanded.

Father Weston is buried at SS Peter and Paul Churchyard, Crosby.

References

  1. ↑ London Gazette
  2. ↑ Guardian
  3. ↑ BBC

External links