Public appeal over republican petrol bombing that killed Protestant civilian Ruby Johnston
The body tasked with getting to the bottom of serious Troubles incidents has launched an appeal over a killing by a republican mob in 1972.
The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) has asked members of the public to come forward with information to aid its investigation into the death of Margaret ‘Ruby’ Johnston in 1972.
Though ICRIR did not mention it in its appeal, Ruby was a Protestant civilian who was killed by a republican mob.
She was aged 35.
ICRIR’s investigation is being led by assistant commissioner Amanda Logan.
In a statement, she said: “Ruby was deeply loved and cherished by her family.
"Her tragic death was devastating to those who were close to her, and the impact remains felt to this day...
“Each time the commission has issued a witness appeal we have uncovered new information which has helped our investigations.
"If you saw the attack in which Ruby suffered the injuries which led to her death, or know anything related to it, I encourage you to come forward to the commission and share what you know.
"All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
She added: “Ruby’s family have lived with questions for over 50 years.
"It is time that they received the truth.”
ICRIR said that at around 4.20pm on Saturday, February 5, 1972, Ruby had boarded an Ulsterbus (service no. 56) which was the regular Newtownhamilton bus service.
She sat in the first front seat opposite the driver.
ICRIR said: “At approximately 4.30pm the bus travelled along the Friary Road (also known as Armagh Ring Road) and slowed at the junction with Lower Irish Street, intending to turn right.
“It then came under attack from a crowd of approximately 60 who had gathered.
"The crowd began to throw stones at the bus, smashing windows.
"As they drew closer to the bus, two petrol bombs were thrown at it.
"One smashed through the front window and exploded in the aisle.
"The second was also thrown through the front window where Ruby was sitting and it exploded, engulfing her in flames.
"Ruby sustained significant injuries at the time of the incident and was transported to Armagh City Hospital.
"Ruby died of her injuries on Tuesday, March 28, 1972.”
The witness appeal will involve distributing posters and an organised leaflet drop in the areas relating to the investigation.
According to the book Lost Lives, which catalogues Troubles deaths, the driver of the bus gave evidence to the inquest into her death, saying there were about 60 youth running towards the vehicle when at least two petrol bombs were thrown at it.
The book says: “The driver said he carried her out of the bus and with the assistance of some young men succeeded in extinguishing her burning clothes, while other passengers jumped to safety through an emergency door.”
The year 1972 was the deadliest of the Troubles, by a long way.
Some 496 people were killed that year, of whom 256 were civilians, according to Lost Lives.
In the 48 hours surrounding when Ruby died, another four people were also killed, all by the IRA.