Patch Trader Andy

Here are a selection of pictures relating to the work and equipment used by all the members of 321 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron Royal Army Ordnance Corps and later the Royal Logistics Corps.

This is an excellent piece of equipment known as "Eager Beaver".

It is a Forklift Truch which can be driven in the normal manner or, if circumstances dictate, it can be operated remotely!

To the left is an Air-Portable buggy with E.O.D. equipment being towed in the trailer. This picture dates from the mid 1980's and was taken at Omagh in County Tyrone showing the Bomb Squad returning from a clearance operation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shown above is the unmistakable Humber Armoured Personnel Carrier known simply as a "Pig". Uned extensively by the military including 321 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Units. An icon of what became known as "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland.

Shown here on the right is a 321 E.O.D. callsign which is in attendance at the scene of a terrorist landmine explosion in County Armagh on 27th October 1982 which resulted in the murder of 3 Police Officers at Kinnego Embankment near Lurgan. The landmine had been concealed in a culvert under the road and detonated as an armoured Ford Cortina police car passed. The explosion left a crater 15 feet deep and 40 feet in diameter.

The picture on the left is around the same era and shows the E.O.D. Team working on a device in the City of Newry in County Down. They are using the body of the vehicle to provide some protection.

The vehicles are Ford Transit which have been fitted with glass reinforced plastic vehicle protection armour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shown here is A very dramatic photograph showing the point of an explosion taking place in the centre of Belfast. I believe this dates from the early 1970's and 3 of the Humber Pig Armoured Cars can be seen with soldiers taking cover.

This is a pair of pictures which were taken at Lisnelly Barracks in Omagh, County Tyrone around 1985. On the left is a Wessex helicopter hovering above a Lynx helicopter as it comes in to land and deliver the E.O.D. buggy complete with operator which can be seen in the second picture.

Note that Felix looks rather yellow (Perhaps from the flight) and is not in a red square background as in later versions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shown above are a selection of 3 versions of the Bomb Disposal Robot known as "Wheelbarrow" - An amazing piece of equipment which has without doubt saved a number of lives.

This picture shows a wheelbarrow in action as a disruptor is fired to open the boot lid of the suspect car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This picture shows 2 of the Alvis Tactica vehicles which were used by E.O.D. troops until the end of the deployment of soldiers in Northern Ireland as part of what was known as "Operation Banner" - This photograph was taked at 3 Brigade Headquarters, Mahon Barracks, Portadown in 1999.

All You Collectors Should Be Aware That I Can Offer A Pin Badge On Gold Base Metal Showing A Tactica Vehicle - Give me a call at Dander@btinternet.com

Shown here are a pair of Daf trucks which are known to the E.O.D. folks as "Wedgewoods"

Following the end of "Operation Banner" and as part of the normalisation process green military vehicles are not now seen regularly on the streets of Northern Ireland and even the Bomb Squad has moved to the more "Emergency Service" type white with yellow stripe.

I hope you have enjoyed these few pictures and look forward to arranging an E.O.D. / Bomb Squad Patch Trade!!

Give me a call at Dander@btinternet.com