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FILES RELEASED UNDER the 30-year-rule have given an insight into the tragedies which befell Irish solders serving in the Lebanon in 1982.
On 20 March, Private Gerard Hodges, who had been serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), succumbed to injuries sustained after a cooker explosion.
Just over six months later, Commandant Michael Nestor, who was serving with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), was transferred to Beirut.
To view larger image, please click here.
(Taken from file 2012/59/107, available from the National Archives)
Less than a week later, he was dead – killed by a roadside mine on 25 September.
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(Taken from file 2012/59/107, available from the National Archives)
Tibnin Bridge
Perhaps the most shocking event, however, took place at around 8pm on the night of 27 October.
Private Michael McAleavey was manning a UN observation post at Tibnin Bridge in South Lebanon. With him were fellow privates Peter Burke and Thomas Murphy, along with Corporal Gary Morrow.
Minutes later three of the four were dead.
To view larger image, please click here.
(Taken from file 2012/59/107, available from the National Archives)
In the days that followed, little was known, other than the fact that Private McAleavey was still alive and the others were dead.
To view larger image, please click here.
(Taken from file 2012/59/107, available from the National Archives)
Having initially said that pro-Israeli militia had been responsible for the deaths of his three colleagues, McAleavey was later found to have killed the three of them in cold blood.
Having served 27 years of a life sentence for the killings, he was released from prison in 2010.
Should never have been released from prison. Life should mean LIFE!
27 years isnt life. Disgrace.
That’s 9 years for every man he killed every family he destroyed !!! Justice my Ass !!
As a tribute to the 1982 Irish Soldiers who served in the Lebanon I would like to mention a dear deceased friend of mine, David O’Connor from Leixlip who proudly served his country when duty called. He is still dearly missed by his family.
It is Corp Gary Morrow, not Gregory
Very sad very messed up.
well… well… well… I always thought Ireland was a ‘neutral country’, hmm Obviously- Not then :( Shame!
It was a UN sanctioned mission having no effect at all on our neutrality. In fact it was a necessary part of our membership of the United Nations.
We aren’t neutral and with the exception of world war 2, neve have been
All depends how you define neutral. My own opinion is that it is a meaningless concept within global geo-politics. A small country always has to align itself with others. My only point is being in the UN has no effect on neutrality or otherwise. Neither does taking part in UNIFIL.
What the hell are you on about?
Interesting that one of the conditions of his release was that he doesn’t talk to media. He claimed dehydration and high temperatures as a factor. One has to ask what was his mental health condition at the time to commit such an act. That said he attempted to cover up the act.
If you carry a gun you are more likely to be shot fact
@eddie Munster – How philosophical of you! Is that a fact or a statistic? Clearly not the latter, so most definitely not the former!
that bastard should never have got over seas az a 51st a.coy my self .,.,life means life he took 3 lifes so what dose that say about irish justice .,.,.,god bless peter gary an thomas gone but never forgotten comrades.,.,
Every once in a while it raises its ugly head and greatly upsets the families concerned. One of those killed was my husbands brother.
Who is the naughty soldier in the pic looking behind whilst marching. As for the murders, I remember the breaking story so well, deeply saddening news both now and then. I hope this info release does not open old wounds for the deceased families.
They’re not matching. They’re at an order which allows them to relax the body (but don’t move the feet)
It’s usually given after long terms of standing to attention etc..
@ BOY RUSSELL now ya fool who can’t spell little Russell boy haha
Just showed this to my Dad he was one of the men first on the scene after the shooting and still served 6months 3yrs later. He has some scary stories.
i was with that battalion..terrible day..what made it even worse is that it was done by one of our own…may he rot in hell
That 5 hour period from first reports still etched in my memory, all the possibilities of what happened, who done it etc. Things started to smell bad though as stories coming back from reliable people who we’re picking up different bit of info and saw the evidence on the scene……….. It took a wee while for all to come out ………but some people had a good idea in those early hrs……but an investigation had to be done properly.
I still recall been on the guard of honour, putting the lads on the plane in Beirut to go home. one of the saddest moments of my life. Even though I didn’t know them personally, they were mates.
Hector. T/port
That low life should have swung from the gallows, murdering comrades deserves a death sentence
To think I trained this Soldier in the 2nd Batt along with the two he Killed. I honestly believe that he should never have been allowed to serve with the . His conduct while in training was appalling he should never have been given this responsibility in my opinion.
well… well… well… I always thought Ireland was a ‘neutral country’, hmm Obviously- Not then :(
That’s the second time you posted that ridiculous comment. See my response above.
Great rescue by the navy, looking fwd to next class.
@ Boy, You mean “at ease” Boy, yes, my old eyes not what they used to be.
Have to pedantic no its no ‘at ease’ its the third one in English think it translates to stand easy. At ease is a separate order:)
@pat Morris. At ease is correct. Ár Sochrá.
Your eyes ain’t to bad ;-)
Aire = attention.
Seasáig ar áis= stand at ease.
Ar Socracht = stand easy.
Pretty sure it’s the third one.
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