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South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) has paid tribute to three soldiers – Harry Creighton, Errol Gordon and David Wynne – upon the 50th anniversary of their murders on August 7, 1972 in Fermanagh.
David Patrick Wynne and Errol Leroy Gordon were murdered in a Provisional IRA ambush at Lisnaskea, when a landmine exploded under their Land Rover.
The landmine was detonated as they were travelling in one of two vehicles on patrol at Forfey about three miles from the town.
David was 21 years old, single, and a soldier with the Royal Artillery, holding the rank of Lance Bombardier.
Errol was 22 years old, married with one child, and a soldier with the Royal Artillery, holding the rank of Gunner.
The late David Wynne and Errol Gordon.
In a separate attack, William (Harry) Creighton, a member of the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR), was off duty when he was murdered by the IRA outside his home in Newtownbutler, aged 27 years old.
Paying tribute to the three men just ahead of the anniversary, Kenny Donaldson, SEFF’s Director of Services, said: “We remember three soldiers, men who were also very much loved by their families and their immediate friends, as well as being respected by their former colleagues.
“Errol and David were colleagues and close friends within the Royal Artillery Regiment. We have heard stories from several Lisnaskea-based people who recount happy memories of Errol, who was a striking and impressively tall man at six foot six inches.
“Men now in their early 60s recall playing football with Errol, who was well-liked within the area, and at that point in time, those with black ethnicity would not have been a common occurrence in Fermanagh.
The late Harry Creighton.
“Meanwhile, Harry was someone who was well liked and respected within the area. He was a member of the UDR, and was cruelly murdered when off duty and outside his home in Newtownbutler in a shooting attack.
“On this, the 50th anniversary, we extend our thoughts and prayers with their families, who are scattered across the globe,” said Mr. Donaldson.
Also paying tribute, David’s brother, Mike Wynne, said: “David was a good lad who wanted nothing special out of life.
“He was in the army, and he saw a bigger purpose in trying to help bring peace to Northern Ireland.
“Even though he never lived to see it, for our family it is gratifying that in the end it has been achieved. We all miss him and often speak of him.”
