Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 1973, Guardsman David Roberts, 1st Battalion, the Welsh Guards, was killed during a foot patrol in Crossmaglen, County Armagh, when a roadside bomb exploded. He had only arrived in Northern Ireland the week before, and had recently completed training.

One of five siblings, he attended Basingwerk Secondary Modern School, and his family ran the Red Lion pub on Holywell High Street. Before joining the army he had worked as a welder, but his interest in the army had been honed during his time the Holywell cadet force, something he was particularly passionate about. The cadet centre he attended was refurbished a few years ago and at its re-opening a plaque in honour of Guardsman Roberts was unveiled. Colonel Nick Beard said: “The cadet organisations are buoyant and inspired youth movements that provide challenging, adventurous and community activities, which motivate young people to succeed in life with a spirit of service to their country and their local community. It is right and fitting the building be rededicated to the memory of Guardsman David Roberts, who as a local man was a member of the Army Cadet Force before joining the Welsh Guards.”

One of Guardsman Roberts friends said: ““When he completed his basic training he passed out as best recruit. We were all so proud of him. At the time the fighting in Northern Ireland was at its worst and we were quite nervous about him going out there. He was always so professional but I think he was nervous too. He knew it was dangerous.”

David, born in Lloc in Wales, was 25 years old.