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Today we remember our late Brethren Sir Norman Stronge (86) and his son, Major James Stronge (48) who were brutally murdered 40 years ago today by PIRA in their Tynan Abbey home - which was then set ablaze by their killers. Both were members of Derryhaw Boyne Defenders LOL 768.
Sir Norman was a decorated Military Officer and saw active service in the Great War where he became first soldier after the start of the Battle of the Somme to be mentioned in dispatches. He was also awarded the Military Cross and the Belgian Croix de Guerre. Later he served as Speaker in the Northern Ireland Parliament and Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution.
Major James Stronge served as an Officer in the Grenadier Guards and subsequently with the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams stated at the time of their murders: “The only complaint I have heard from nationalists or anti-unionists is that he was not shot 40 years ago."
'Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life' Rev 2:10