Murdered RUC Constable Norman Anderson still remembered with pride after 55 years

The name of a young Larne policeman murdered by the IRA has been remembered with pride, more than half a century after his death.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jan 2016, 08:30 BST
Updated 27th Jan 2016, 09:14 BST
Members of the Constable Anderson Memorial Flute Band committee, William Sharples, Ryan Girvan and Graham Perry lay a wreath at the grave of Constable Norman Anderson to mark the 55th anniversary of his death. Read more on page 27. INLT 04-658-CONMembers of the Constable Anderson Memorial Flute Band committee, William Sharples, Ryan Girvan and Graham Perry lay a wreath at the grave of Constable Norman Anderson to mark the 55th anniversary of his death. Read more on page 27. INLT 04-658-CON
Members of the Constable Anderson Memorial Flute Band committee, William Sharples, Ryan Girvan and Graham Perry lay a wreath at the grave of Constable Norman Anderson to mark the 55th anniversary of his death. Read more on page 27. INLT 04-658-CON

Constable Norman Anderson was killed on the Fermanagh-Monaghan border on January 27, 1961 while stationed at Rosslea.

At the time of the murder, the 26-year-old’s widowed mother lived at Kintyre Road, Larne.

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The off-duty constable had been returning to the station after having been across the border to see his girlfriend in Co Monaghan. He was on his way back to his van when he was overpowered by his assailants, dragged up a laneway and shot repeatedly.

To mark the 55th anniversary of his death, members of the Constable Norman Anderson Memorial Flute Band gathered to lay a wreath at his grave at Rashee cemetery in Ballyclare.

The band also had a special commemorative plaque made in honour of the constable.

In April, the Constable Anderson Memorial Flute Band will also mark its 55th anniversary with a parade in the town on Saturday, April 2. More details will be provided closer to the event.

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Band member Graham Perry said: “We are now recruiting new members, both male and female, in all sections of the band. No experience is necessary as full tuition will be provided.

“Practices are held every Wednesday night at 7.30pm in Larne Rangers Club.”

A report in the Larne Times on February 2, 1961 stated that Constable Norman Anderson’s funeral was “the biggest seen in East Antrim in living memory.”

Thousands from all over NI and Co Monaghan attended, including the them Minister of Home Affairs, Brian Faulkner, and the Inspector-General of the RUC, Albert Kennedy.

Related topics:LarneIRAPractices