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Cunningham Block was one of the most important buildings within the Ebrington Barracks site as it was the Battalion Headquarters. The Battalion Operations room was situated within Cunningham Block, and all the major Battalion Personalities had offices situated within this building. Commanding Officer, 2IC, Adjutant, RSM, Chief Clerk, Paymaster Orderly Room, Post office and Movements.
Cunningham Block was also my workplace and the workplace of Cpl Ian Metcalfe or 'Silver' as we knew him. Ian was the Battalion Movements Clerk and was responsible for arranging the movements to and from England for all staff, for booking ferries, Booking Flights etc.
On Wednesday 15th June 1988, Ian and 5 colleagues from 8 Infantry Brigade & Signals Squadron left Ebrington Barracks to take part in the Lisburn Half Marathon in aid of local civilian charities. After completing the fun run, they got into their unmarked Army Minibus and set off to return to Londonderry. As the Minibus approached traffic lights in Market Square Lisburn, the minibus exploded killing all six Soldiers. The IRA later claimed that they had attached a UVBT (Under Vehicle Booby Trap) bomb to the vehicle.
They claimed the men were executed for being part of the "British Imperial Forces of Occupation". The atrocity caused outrage because of the fact that these 6 men were raising money for local charity.
Ian's death was the only loss the Green Howards suffered during the 87 - 89 Londonderry Tour.
In 1987, 8 Brigade Signals Squadron buildings and 8 Brigade Accommodation Blocks stood here.
Can anyone remember the name of the Brigade Bar???
Some people have suggested it was called The Phoenix Bar?
See the Comment Board for other suggestions
Cunningham Block from the site of the Armoury.
Cunningham Block was built in 1875 and were the first Married Quarters to be built on the base. 1875 saw the first expansion of the site from the Star Fort of 1841(Thaks to Mo Durkan of iLEX for the Information)
This was the original Officers Mess, by 1987, it was used as the Medical Centre.
Looking up the hill towards Cunningham Block.
The Clock Tower Block was used by A and B Company in 1987. Company Stores were accommodated on the ground floor as well.
The larger building used to be the Camp Hospital, A Company was accommodated in it in 1987.
The Band Block can also be seen. - Note Brigade HQ has already been demolished.
Looking towards the City from the former site of 8 Infantry Brigade Headquarters. In the days before the "Troubles" Brigade HQ was the operations complex for the Joint Services Anti Submarine Warfare School.
NATO War Scenario's and exercises were planned in this complex. In the event of War, the complex could hav been a major base of operations for naval efforts in the North Atlantic.
The Site of the former Corporals Mess - "The Yorkshire Ghurka"
B Company stores in the Clock Tower block. Note the shelving still in place?
The ground floor of the Clock Tower block. The floor has had to be ripped up and plaster removed from the walls to treat the dry rot.
Headquarters Company Accomodation Block.
Looking towards the Parade Ground from the site of the Corporals Mess
The Parade Ground looking accross to towards the now demolished Brigade Headquarters.
Do you remember how many vehicles used to park here?
A View of the City taken from the bottom of the Parade Ground. The walls of the more modern workshops were actually part of the original Star Fort - Who knew?
The site of the now demolished Brigade Bar. Offices are planned for this space when the site is re - developed.
A Piggery once stood here whilst the base was used by the Navy!
