🔗 Share this article

January 30th, 1972 remains one of the deadliest – and significant – occasions throughout three decades of violence in this area.

Throughout the area where it happened – the legacy of that fateful day are visible on the walls and etched in people's minds.

A public gathering was conducted on a wintry, sunny day in the city.

The protest was opposing the practice of internment – detaining individuals without due process – which had been put in place after an extended period of unrest.

Troops from the Parachute Regiment killed 13 people in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a predominantly nationalist area.

One image became notably memorable.

Pictures showed a Catholic priest, Fr Edward Daly, displaying a stained with blood cloth while attempting to shield a crowd carrying a teenager, Jackie Duddy, who had been mortally injured.

News camera operators captured considerable film on the day.

Historical records includes Father Daly informing a reporter that military personnel "appeared to fire in all directions" and he was "completely sure" that there was no reason for the gunfire.

This account of what happened wasn't accepted by the original examination.

The first investigation found the soldiers had been attacked first.

Throughout the peace process, the administration set up another inquiry, after campaigning by bereaved relatives, who said the first investigation had been a inadequate investigation.

During 2010, the conclusion by the inquiry said that overall, the paratroopers had discharged weapons initially and that zero among the victims had presented danger.

At that time government leader, the leader, issued an apology in the House of Commons – declaring deaths were "unjustified and inexcusable."

The police began to examine the events.

An ex-soldier, known as the accused, was brought to trial for homicide.

Indictments were filed regarding the fatalities of one victim, twenty-two, and 26-year-old William McKinney.

Soldier F was further implicated of trying to kill multiple individuals, other civilians, more people, another person, and an unnamed civilian.

Exists a legal order protecting the veteran's anonymity, which his attorneys have argued is necessary because he is at threat.

He told the examination that he had only fired at individuals who were armed.

This assertion was disputed in the concluding document.

Evidence from the examination would not be used straightforwardly as proof in the legal proceedings.

In court, the accused was shielded from sight using a blue curtain.

He spoke for the opening instance in the proceedings at a proceeding in December 2024, to reply "not responsible" when the allegations were put to him.

Relatives of the victims on the incident made the trip from Derry to the courthouse each day of the trial.

John Kelly, whose relative was fatally wounded, said they were aware that hearing the trial would be emotional.

"I visualize all details in my memory," the relative said, as we walked around the main locations referenced in the trial – from the street, where the victim was killed, to the adjoining the courtyard, where James Wray and the second person were fatally wounded.

"It even takes me back to my position that day.

"I participated in moving my brother and put him in the medical transport.

"I experienced again the entire event during the testimony.

"Notwithstanding enduring the process – it's still worthwhile for me."