Britain’s 38-year military campaign in Northern Ireland was praised today by the Bishop of London.
Speaking at a commemoration for British armed forces who served in Northern Ireland, Dr Richard Chartres said they helped to keep the “forces of chaos at bay”.
The British military deployment known as 'Operation Banner' began in 1969, ended in July 2007 and over its 38-year history saw more than 300,000 military personnel serve in the North.
The Bishop's comments came as he delivered a sermon to a congregation which included the British prime minister Gordon Brown, the Prince of Wales and British defence secretary Des Browne.
Before the commemoration ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral, Mr Brown issued a statement saying: “They helped create conditions for the peace Northern Ireland now enjoys and today we salute their courage.
“It is in their honour and for all the people of Northern Ireland that all those committed to the province’s future must work together to ensure a lasting peace.”
The Bishop told the congregation during the hour-long service: “Military intervention can hold the forces of chaos at bay while people learn again how communities with very different histories and aspirations can live together and do business with one another.
“Operation Banner kept that vital part to which a more hopeful future for Ulster could enter.”
More than 1,000 members of the armed forces died during the troubles, with 6,116 wounded. Of those killed, 763 died as a direct result of violence.
Dr Chartres went on to tell those gathered: “The people of Northern Ireland and their community leaders have suffered much. They want to move on now and are at work building a new future.
“Much remains to be done, healing memories, embedding hope but the military phase, Operation Banner, has been brought to a conclusion and we can give thanks for it.”
PA