Operation Banner was the operational name for the British Armed Forces' operation in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 2007, as part of the Troubles. It was the longest continuous deployment in British military history.
Casualties and losses
722 deaths from paramilitary attacks
719 deaths from other causes
6,100 injured
PIRA 128 killed INLA 36 killed IPLO 2 killed
UVF 14 killed UDA 11 killed LVF 1 killed [9]
Operation Banner all causes Roll of Honour
Compiled by the Northern Ireland Veterans Association, including all in-service deaths 1969-2007 and all subsequent terrorist murders
This Roll of Honour includes all branches of the security forces and emergency services that lost their lives while in service due to the security situation in Northern Ireland that existed from roughly June 1969 to July 2007, when Op banner was finally brought to and end. Also included are any murders of security forces after that date.
The Royal Marines conducted 40 Tours of Duty in Northern Ireland during Op Banner, as well as providing manpower for special intelligence operations they were also involved in long term operational commitments such as Operations Lifespan and Sealion.
A Royal Marine sniper with L42A1, Browning pistol and M16A1 with Starlight scope. Set up in the attic in Andersontown district of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Image: Royal Marines Museum.
Royal Marines
Murdered – 20
Other Causes – 8
TOTAL – 28
40 Commando
Mne L Allen, Murdered by PIRA, 26/07/1972;
Mne A David, Murdered by PIRA, 17/10/1972;
Mne J Shaw, RTA,; 26/07/1973;
Mne A Gibbons, Shot Accidentally, 28/05/1983
42 Commando
Mne G Cox, Murdered by PIRA, 29/04/1973;
Mne J Macklin, Murdered by PIRA, 28/03/1974;
Cpl R Miller, Murdered by PIRA, 17/08/1978;
Mne G Weedon, Murdered by PIRA, 12/11/1978;
Mne A Gilbert, Friendly Fire Incident, 15/06/1989
45 Commando
Cpl D Leach, Murdered by PIRA, 13/08/1974;
Mne M Southern, Murdered by PIRA, 13/08/1974;
Mne N Bewley, Murdered by PIRA, 12/08/1977;
Sgt W Corbett, Shot Accidentally, 23/08/1981
Royal Marines Band
Cpl D McMillan, Murdered by PIRA, in England 22/09/1989;
Cpl D Pavey, Murdered by PIRA, in England 22/09/1989;
Mus J Cleatheroe, Murdered by PIRA, in England 22/09/1989 ;
Mus M Petch, Murdered by PIRA, in England 22/09/1989;
Mus M Ball, Murdered by PIRA, in England 22/09/1989 ;
Mus R Fice, Murdered by PIRA, in England 22/09/1989;
Mus R Jones, Murdered by PIRA, in England, 22/09/1989 ;
Mus R Simmons, Murdered by PIRA, in England 22/09/1989;
Mus T Reeves, Murdered by PIRA, in England 22/09/1989;
Cpl T Davies, Murdered by PIRA, in England 22/09/1989;
Mus C Nolan, Murdered by PIRA, in England 18/10/1989
Commando Unknown
Sgt D Reed, (att AAC), Murdered by PIRA, 18/05/1973;
Mne J Cooper, (att HQNI), RTA, 16/02/1982;
Cpl M Lazenby, RTA ,21/02/1995;
Mne N Ratcliffe, Other Causes, 03/05/2002
See pins mapped here Royal Marines History