Mail seeks “untold stories” of pub bombings

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Pub Bombings, which claimed the lives of 21 people and injured a further 182. Now the Birmingham Mail, which has campaigned for years for justice for the victims, is asking its readers to share their “untold stories” –  so that future generations will never forget the horrors of 21 November, 1974.

The attacks are regarded by many as the “darkest day” in the city’s history and recorded as one of the deadliest acts of terrorism carried out on British soil.

Editor Graeme Brown commented: “We have never forgotten that dreadful night for Birmingham – and we never will.”

The IRA never officially admitted responsibility for the bombings, although a former senior officer of the organisation confessed to their involvement in 2014.  Three years later one of the alleged perpetrators also claimed that the intention of the bombings had not been to harm civilians, and that their deaths had been caused by an unintentional delay in delivering an advance telephone warning to security services.[5][6]

Led by Birmingham Mail print editor Andy Richards (pictured), the Reach plc-owned title wants to share the memories and recollections of those whose lives were impacted in different ways even if they were not directly caught up in the bloodshed.

The first set of recollections appeared on 23 February and over time the Mail plans to build its coverage into a library of previously unrecorded memories which will ensure future generations never forget what happened.

“Many Brummies have anecdotal tales about where they were on that dreadful night and how they heard about the bombings. Some recall being caught up in gridlocked traffic,” said Andy. “People who were at home remember the fear they felt for the safety of loved ones until receiving reassuring phone calls.

“Others have fond memories of the Tavern in the Town and The Mulberry Bush before terror struck. It is these type of tales we hope to record, while at the same time revealing what people went on to do with their lives.”

The Mail has campaigned for justice for the 21 victims of the atrocity for decades.