'John will never be forgotten': UDR soldier remembered with affection by former colleagues and friends ahead of 40th anniversary service

Ulster Defence Regiment CGC soldier John Early was killed in a Provisional IRA landmine attack on the Garrison–Belcoo Road on February 3, 1986.

He died after sustaining fatal head injuries caused by masonry that was dislodged when a landmine exploded beside an eight-man foot patrol. The device had been concealed within a dry-stone wall and was detonated by radio remote control at approximately 1pm, as Mr Early was leading the patrol.

He was one of only a small number of Roman Catholic soldiers serving within the UDR CGC in the Lisnaskea area at that time.

To mark the 40th anniversary of his death, former colleagues from ‘E Company’ of the 4th Battalion UDR will hold an Act of Remembrance at the site of the attack on Tuesday (February 3) at 12 noon.

This will be followed by a further Act of Remembrance at John’s grave in the graveyard of Holy Cross Church, Lisnaskea, known locally as the Chapel on the Hill, at 2.30pm later that afternoon.

Among those attending will be John Faulkner, a former colleague of Mr Early, who has travelled from Australia to Fermanagh to pay his respects and ensure that John’s legacy continues to be remembered.

Reflecting on the milestone anniversary, Mr Faulkner spoke of the lasting impact his close friend had on his life.

"John has had a very powerful influence upon my life, and despite 40 years passing he remains regularly in my thoughts,” he said.

“I first knew John through my involvement in the TA and when he was initially in the UDR part-time and we would've met at training camps and other places.

"We got on very well, he was someone I instantly connected with. In the late summer of 1985 I decided that I too would join the UDR but I didn't drive a car and getting about wasn't always simple.

"It was John that came out and picked me up to go to St Angelo to meet with the Commanding Officer, and he then brought me home later that evening.”

Mr Faulkner recalled John’s determination and commitment to his role as a soldier and how their final encounter remains vividly etched in his memory.

He explained: "John was a determined young man when he wanted something, I could see that he was going to make it onto the full-time because he had really taken his fitness serious, had lost weight and was very sharp and focused.

"Saturday 1st February 1986 was the last time that I saw John, we were out having a few pints and as he left, we said our farewells - not our goodbyes because we expected to see each other again soon. I always remember his black leather jacket it was his signature item of clothing."

Mr Faulkner also recalled the moment he learned of John’s death and how the loss had a profound effect on his own future plans.

"On the day it happened (Monday 3rd February 1986) I was working as a civil servant in the crown buildings whilst waiting acceptance for the UDR,” he continued.

"Around lunchtime word came through that a UDR soldier had been killed in Belcoo, and I don't know why but I instinctively knew that this was in fact John. But in an age where there was little-no access to immediate communication, it was that evening before I had the news confirmed to me, by my father.

"The impact of John's murder meant that I was unclear whether or not to push on with joining the Regiment, it wasn't from a sense of fear but through this horrible feeling of it not going to be the same without him.

"I kept in touch with John's mummy, Phyllis, and visited her on a number of occasions when I returned from Australia but then she too passed and the Early family connection was all but gone from the area.

"John may be gone but he will never be forgotten, those of us who knew him best will continue to honour his memory and keep his spirit alive.

"It is important that I came back for this milestone anniversary, it's important to come together with all of the lads, we were all doing our best in such horrible and challenging circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Lisnaskea-based SEFF are also supporting the initiative and its Director Kenny Donaldson, stated: "When people speak of courage, strength and commitment, John Early's name should be attached alongside those other members of the Roman Catholic community who stepped forward and served within the security forces.

"In what I have learnt over the years concerning John Early, I've heard of few other personalities who appear to have been so well-liked and respected as he was, and it is fitting that his former colleagues are coming together to remember their colleague and friend.”