Tributes to English mother-of-two who became a UDR soldier and was murdered by IRA
Tributes have been paid to an English mother-of-two who became a UDR soldier was shot dead in an IRA ambush near Armagh 50 years ago tomorrow.
Gillian JB Liggett was the second of four UDR CGC (Conspicuous Gallantry Cross) Greenfinch soldiers to be murdered during the Troubles.
She was 33, from a Protestant community background and was married with two children.
Gillian was in a two-vehicle patrol and travelling in the second Land Rover when she was shot in a Provisional IRA ambush on the Armagh to Middletown road on 6 April 1976.
Kenny Donaldson, director of Troubles victims group SEFF, said they remember Gillian via their annual tribute but also reference her life in many situations within the work they do.
"Gillian was one of four UDR CGC Greenfinch soldiers to be murdered as a result of the terrorist campaign, Eva Martin, Ann Hearst and Heather Kerrigan were the others," he said.
“193 of their male colleagues were also murdered with 67 further male colleagues murdered who had either resigned or retired from the Regiment.”
“Bullets reigned in on the Land Rover to which Gillian was travelling, the driver was hit in the ankle causing the vehicle to crash and overturn.”
“Women who served in the Army, Police or Prison service were susceptible to attack from terrorists, just like their male counterparts.
"The Greenfinches fulfilled extremely important functions and they were responsible for intercepting and foiling many terror attacks, particularly those where females were the conduit.”
Another Greenfinch who was injured in the same attack was later able to attend a memorial service at Gough Barracks in Armagh.
Gillian was originally from Lienthall Earls, near Leominster in Herefordshire, England, where her funeral was also held.
She had also been a member of the Women's Royal Army Corps and was someone devoted to service, she had significant potential to advance within the military family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Gillian’s surviving family and her former colleagues, today and everyday,” Mr Donaldson added.