Blair pays tribute to NI bomb disposal unit

Tony Blair today paid tribute to the military unit that diffused thousands of terrorist bombs over three decades in Northern Ireland.

Tony Blair presented a letter to officers from the 321 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron at Downing Street in honour of the men and women who he said have “put themselves in harm’s way to safe lives and property”.

He said that while Northern Ireland had made real progress towards peace, the gallantry and dedication of the British army Ammunition Technical Officers should not be forgotten.

Even though there have never been more than 100 soldiers in its ranks it is the most decorated peacetime unit in the British army.

Since the upswing in the Troubles in 1969 the 321 Squadron has responded to 55,000 call outs and neutralised 6,000 live devices.

The work of the unit has not been without cost. Some 20 members have been killed and another 24 seriously injured.