The commander of the British army unit that fired more than 100 shots on Bloody Sunday today refused to apologise to the family of one of the men shot dead by his troops.
Bernard McGuigan (41) was shot in the head as he held up a white handkerchief at the south end of Block 1 of the Rossville Flats in the nationalist Bogside area of Derry, on January 30th, 1972.
Retired Col Edward Loden - who commanded the group of soldiers that killed 13 civilians in the Bogside on January 30th, 1972 - told the Saville Inquiry in London he compiled a list of engagements after interviewing most of the soldiers involved.
Mr Michael Mansfield, QC, representing the family of Mr McGuigan, asked "Do you accept any responsibility for what the soldier did who shot Mr McGuigan? Do you accept any responsibility for what happened at the south end of Block 1?"
The colonel replied: "I accept responsibility in that I was in command of that company".
Col Loden said he did not pull the trigger and was not able to look down the sight of the soldier's rifle, before adding: "Therefore I cannot tell you whether he was correct or not in opening fire".
Mr Mansfield then asked: "After 30 years, and I am sorry to use this opportunity, would you be prepared to apologise to the family of Mr McGuigan?"
Col Loden replied: "Mr Mansfield, I will await the outcome of the inquiry".