Thread by @SEFFLisnaskea

SEFF remembers Matilda Witherington, 78, bank manager's widow, killed 48 yrs ago, 28/1/74. It's believed that when terrorists attacked an RAF bus outside her home in Shimna Pde, Newcastle, she was shot accidentally by an RAF Gnr as she watched the ambush from the first floor ...

..bedroom of her semi-detached home. In the uncertain early morning light she could have been thought to be a gunman as RAF security officers returned fire.
The bullet which killed Matilda was reported to be fired from a 7.62 calibre weapon more likely to be used by servicemen..

..than by the terrorists. It is thought she died almost immediately.
The bus, carrying about 2 dozen men, was attacked as it travelled along the quiet, residential Shimna Rd on its way to the RAF base at Bishopscourt. It was suddenly raked by gunfire as terrorists opened fire ...

..from a passing car.
Dr. Noel Warren, rector of St. John’s Parish Church, Newcastle, told reporters he was deeply shocked & saddened by the killing.
“Mrs. Witherington was a faithful church member & always attended when her health permitted. It is disgraceful that people are ...

..so utterly defenceless that they can be mown down like this,” he said.

Matilda, a native of L'Derry, came to live in Newcastle 20 yrs before. She quickly settled & made many friends.

SEFF’s thoughts & prayers are with those innocents who continue to grieve her passing.