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16 October 2014

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Sam Girvan

Sam Girvan


September 3rd 1980


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Sam Girvan

"As I approached him I could feel the hairs on the back of my head standing up…"

The story...

Sam takes us back to 1980 and to Spandau prison in Berlin, Germany.

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Contributor Gallery – Click to enlarge

Sam Girvan in the BBC studio
Sam's army sign-up papers. Sam joined the Royal Irish Rangers on the 3rd of May, 1968. He received three and a half crowns and a pocket Bible on the day he signed up
Sam's army sign-up papers. Sam joined the Royal Irish Rangers on the 3rd of May, 1968. He received three and a half crowns and a pocket Bible on the day he signed up
Sam in the BBC Radio Ulster studios with various medals, a banner and a bugle from his time in time in the RIR
Sam's various medals, a banner and a bugle from his time in time in the RIR
Some of Sam's medals from his career in the RIR, from left - Northern Ireland Campaign Medal, United Nation's Cyprus Peacekeeping Medal and his Long Service Good Conduct Medal
Sam’s regiment of the Royal Irish Rangers of which he was sergeant. This photo was taken outside Brook barracks, Berlin. Spandau Prison was located just behind the barracks
The Queen’s birthday parade in Berlin. Sam was leader of the mass bands on the parade and and bugle major of the Berlin Brigade of the RIR
The Queen’s birthday parade, Berlin
The Queen’s birthday parade, Berlin
Next in line…Sam just about to meet Prince Charles at the official opening of Clanmill Housing Association’s new offices in Belfast
A picture postcard of the SS Uganda which transported Sam’s regiment to the Falkland Islands in 1983
Sam’s regiment boarding a Chinook helicopter on the SS Uganda
Sam enjoying a pint as he meets Jim Davidson who was in the Falklands to entertain the troops
A postcard to home and his daughter Kerry
Sam meeting with Masai Warriors in Kenya
Sam with Harry Seacombe on the Highway programme as he receives a plaque on behalf of his Royal Irish Rangers regiment

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