Orange parade to honour UDR men in Belfast city centre

The annual Orange memorial parade and service to mark the 1988 murder of two UDR soldiers will take place in Belfast city centre this Saturday.
By Mark Rainey
Published 26th Feb 2020, 18:17 BST
A previous Orange parade to commemorate Fred Starrett and James Cummings. Picture: Freddie Parkinson/Press EyeA previous Orange parade to commemorate Fred Starrett and James Cummings. Picture: Freddie Parkinson/Press Eye
A previous Orange parade to commemorate Fred Starrett and James Cummings. Picture: Freddie Parkinson/Press Eye

Frederick Starrett and James Cummings, both 22, were killed by an IRA booby-trap device as they arrived to close security gates at Royal Avenue on February 24, 1988.

Both soldiers were members of the Orange Order in Ballymacarrett No6 District – Banner of the Cross LOL 1310 and Johnston’s Golden Star LOL 1934 respectively.

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The event has been organised by the Ulster Defenders of the Realm LOL 710.

Speaking ahead of the parade, Worshipful Master of LOL 710, David McGrath, said: “This memorial parade continues to be one of the most important parades in the lodge calendar.

Mr McGrath added: “The large numbers present will be a fitting tribute to Fred and James and show their families that the sacrifice of these two young men is not forgotten, as we honour their memory.”

Senior Orangemen attending include Harold Henning, Grand Lodge deputy grand master, grand secretary Rev Mervyn Gibson and Spencer Beattie, county grand master of the Belfast district.

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The parade will set off from Templemore Avenue at 9.50am and proceed to Royal Avenue in the city centre.

The event will incorporate a wreath-laying ceremony at the scene of the atrocity and a service of remembrance at 11am will be conducted by Rev David McIlveen.

Bands include Pride of the Raven, Millar Memorial and Legananny Accordion.