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Moving commemoration for victims of the Guildford pub bombing

Parade up High Street

Parade up High Street
On Sunday 6 October we remembered the 50th anniversary of the Guildford pub bombings. There was a memorial service held at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford and a parade up the High Street.

Five young people died and 65 others were injured on 5 October 1974 when a bomb exploded at the Horse and Groom pub. The Seven Stars was also targeted but it had already been evacuated. The tragic events of that night are still remembered by many in the town of Guildford.

Private moment of reflection at Quakers Acre

Before the main service, a small party went to the memorial site at Quakers Acre, including:

  • family members
  • The Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey
  • representatives from the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Association
  • representatives from the Scots Guards Association
  • the Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Canon Simon Butler
  • the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE
  • members of the emergency services
  • Pubwatch

Act of Remembrance

wreaths laid at Quakers' Acre
The short act of remembrance at Quakers' Acre included:

  • The Last Post
  • a piper's Lament
  • a minute's silence in memory of the victims
  • the laying of wreaths and flowers in front of the bronze plaque naming those who lost their lives

The names on the plaque

Those who lost their lives in the bombing in Guildford on 5 October 1974 were:

  • Paul Craig
  • William Forsyth
  • Ann Hamilton
  • John Hunter
  • Caroline Slater

New bronze plaque blessed

Canon Simon Butler blessed the new bronze plaque gifted as part of the commemorations by:

  • the Women's Royal Army Corps Association
  • Scots Guards Association as part of this year's commemoration

The memorial service 

The memorial service at Holy Trinity Church was led by the Rector, Canon Simon Butler. The Bishop of Guildford, the Rt. Revd. Andrew Watson, preached at the service. This included hymns, readings, and prayers.

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker, said: 

"Even after all these years, the memory of that tragic night on 5 October 1974 still lingers in the hearts of so many.

Five young lives were lost, others were badly injured, and many lives were changed forever. So, 50 years on, it's important for the town to come together and remember.

"For many here today, this has been an incredibly emotional day, as we pause to reflect with our acts of remembrance."    

Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Canon Simon Butler, said: 

"It's very important for the families and those most affected to be able to gather as close as they can to the site of the tragedy. We hope that this private, peaceful moment brings them comfort before the public commemoration of the anniversary."

Chief Executive Officer of the WRAC Association, Paula Rogers said: 

"The loss of Private Ann Hamilton and Private Caroline Slater was felt throughout the Women's Royal Army Corps in 1974, and 50 years on continues to impact our veterans. On the day they were so cruelly taken they were robbed of the life they were born to lead. Many others were also affected: their families whose dignity and resilience brings them to Guildford to remember their loved ones, other military and civilian casualties, Servicewomen who were not present, but who worked through the aftermath, including informing the families of their loss have borne the effects of the bombings, some of whom have made the journey to be in Guildford this weekend.

"As we stand with the Scots Guards and the Borough of Guildford, our veterans will reflect on their own oath to serve, and the ultimate sacrifice given that day in 1974 and remember together Private Ann Hamilton and Private Caroline Slater."

Published on: 6 October 2024