The dedication of the headstone in All Saints Churchyard commemorating Lt Stephen Kirby killed by the IRA in 1979. Picture: Chris Davey

by Adam Williams

A headstone has been unveiled to a former Whitstable soldier, 30 years after he was killed in a terrorist attack in Northern Ireland.

Lt Stephen Kirby, who served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers, died in Londonderry on Valentines’ Day 1979, aged 22.

Relatives, former fellow soldiers and childhood friends gathered close to the Garden of Remembrance in All Saints Church on Wednesday afternoon for a short dedication service to the former Westmeads Junior School and Kent College pupil. Sisters Helen Ames and Bridget Torbett were among those who reflected on a life cut so tragically short, just months after he joined the army as a regular soldier.

Stephen (pictured right) was killed by IRA machine gun fire while out patrolling. At school, he had always wanted to be a soldier and while reading history and economics at Bangor University, joined the TA unit of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.

The service at All Saints was led by Rev Simon Tillotson and included tributes from former Royal Welch officer Lt Col Nic Channing Williams and Stephen’s commanding officer Maj Gen Rev Morgan Llewellyn.

Rev Llewellyn described Lt Kirby as a proud Kentish man.

He said: “Stephen was a most personable and enterprising young man who was clearly made out for a career in the army.

“It was a real tragedy that his life was ended so soon by a terrorist bullet in an area which he was actively trying to bring peace to. He was never forgotten in this area by all his friends and relatives and now he will be remembered by all who pass through this garden.”

Sister Helen, who now lives in Dartford, described the ceremony as a fitting tribute.

She said: “It was very simple and very moving. It’s lovely to know that Stephen is still remembered by so many friends and family from this area, along with members of the regiment.”