Soldier's plan 'had to change'

Soldier's plan 'had to change'

The inquiry is examining the events of 30 January 1972

The soldier in charge of the parachute regiment on Bloody Sunday has rejected suggestions that he ordered a full frontal assault into the Bogside.

Colonel Derek Wilford said that when he sent a company of paras into the Bogside in armoured cars they were still part of a pincer movement that he had always planned.

The Saville Inquiry is examining the events of 30 January 1972 when 13 civilians were shot dead by soldiers during a civil rights march in Londonderry. A 14th person died later.

During Thursday's hearing, Inquiry Chairman Lord Saville, told Colonel Wilford that he was puzzled because the paras had gone much further into the Bogside than he had originally planned.

Colonel Wilford agreed that the plan changed significantly on the day but said this had to happen as the rioters had run back into the Bogside.

Safety concerns

On Wednesday, Colonel Wilford told the inquiry he was unaware of military shooting before his regiment entered the Bogside.

He said he did not hear any Army shooting before sending his men in and added that he did not go beyond his orders on the day.

As Colonel Wilford will only testify in the mornings, he could be in the witness box for up to three weeks.

The inquiry, which usually sits at the Guildhall in Derry, is currently hearing evidence from military witnesses and others in London because of concerns for their safety.

Lord Saville of Newdigate and the commonwealth judges accompanying him on the Bloody Sunday inquiry began their work nearly four years ago.

They are not expected to report back until 2004.

The Bloody Sunday inquiry was established in 1998 by Prime Minister Tony Blair after a campaign by families of those killed and injured.

They felt that the Widgery Inquiry, held shortly after the shootings, did not find out the truth about what happened on Bloody Sunday.