Summer 2026 19 1 May 1988. A black day in the history of the municipality of Bergen. A car bomb exploded in the parking lot opposite the Bacchus nightclub in Nieuw Bergen. Two Gunners from 1 Sn RAF Regiment – John Dunn Baxter (21) and John Miller Reid (22) – were killed in the explosion. A third serviceman was seriously injured. The attack by the IRA (Irish Republican Army) had a major impact on the community. In addition to the shock of the attack, there was extensive glass damage to the town hall and surrounding homes, 45 homes were evacuated, and there was a large-scale deployment of fire brigades, police, and other emergency services. Despite this impact, there is currently no physical memorial site to commemorate the victims of the attack. The Bergen Municipality Veterans Foundation is changing that. Unveiling memorial for the Gunners killed in the IRA attack on May 1, 1988 In collaboration with the municipality, they are placing a memorial plaque at the town hall. The plaque not only commemorates the RAF Regiment Gunners but also honours the emergency services involved. The memorial plaque was held on: Friday, May 1, 3:00 PM (gathering from 2:45 PM) Bergen Town Hall (on the Albert Heijn side) A delegation of veterans and of the firefighters who were on duty at the time will be present at the unveiling of the memorial plaque. You are cordially invited to attend this special occasion.
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