‘To Grieve Is To Love’: Family to mark 50th anniversary of police officer shot in Derry
Siblings remember Linda Baggley’s vibrant spirit and fashion-loving nature ahead of a poignant anniversary service in Newbuildings.
The family of Linda Baggley, a 19-year-old RUC Reserve Constable who was killed by the IRA, will share a special reflection at a memorial service this weekend to mark 50 years since the double tragedy that devastated their home.
The service, organised by the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF), will take place on Sunday, 31 May 2026 at Newbuildings Methodist Church at 3.00pm.
William Baggley, 43, a member of the RUC Reserve, was killed by the IRA on January 29 1974 as he was on patrol on the Dungiven Road in Derry’s Waterside.
His daughter Linda joined the RUC less than a year after her father’s death. She was shot dead by the IRA on May 23 1976 just yards from where her father was killed. Linda died from her injuries on June 2 1976.
In a poignant tribute released ahead of the memorial, Linda's siblings Lorraine and Graham, honored her vibrant personality, her keen eye for fashion, and her love of sports.
The family statement reads: “Linda was a very bubbly, outgoing girl, she enjoyed sports at school and was in the hockey and badminton teams. Linda also had a keen eye for fashion, and was regularly ahead of the curve, as soon as she started working and had her own money she enjoyed nothing more than wearing the latest styles, she was full of life.
“After our Dad’s death, Linda became our support for Mum and for us. Life was never dull around Linda. Her energy, humour and zest for life was clear to be seen and enjoyed by all who knew her.
“Linda worked in Longs Supermarket and joined the RUC Reserve in 1975. She loved the banter among work colleagues and the comradeship in the RUC. She made friends easily, was very chatty which was evidenced in her School reports where the familiar words would appear “Linda should chat less and channel more enthusiasm into her work!”
“After Linda’s passing our house became so empty, there was no laughter just darkness and sadness. Through time and with the love and help of aunts and uncles, our church Glendermott Parish and the RUC GC family, we continued life as best we could although we were forever mindful just how different life was without our previous dad and loving sister.
“We honour Linda with gratitude, for her dedication to her family, for her determination to follow on our dad’s footsteps and her commitment to living life to its fullest. These words are but a brief insight into who she was, but it speaks as to how proud our Mum and we were of her.
“Losing a sister like Linda leaves an ache inside us, but her memory leaves a gift that we’ll have forever.
“We feel blessed that we will be sharing a reflection at SEFF’s North West service on Sunday 31st May 2026, taking place in Newbuildings Methodist Church, commencing at 3pm. It is important for us as a family to be surrounded by other victims/survivors over what will be a difficult weekend and difficult week, next week. The presence of children from Newbuildings Primary School who will sing a number of pieces will also uplift us.
“Linda was our pride and joy, forever loved, forever missed and never forgotten. All gave some, but some gave all,” concluded the statement.
Kenny Donaldson, director of victims’ organisation South East Fermanagh Foundation, said: “The Baggley family circle are deeply respected within SEFF, across the RUC GC family and beyond. Having a husband and father stolen away to then be followed by a daughter and sister through terrorism just two years later is unimaginable.
“Cruelly Linda and her Daddy William were attacked by Provisional IRA terrorists two years apart but there was less than 100 metres distance between where the crimes were committed.
“The family were wedded to the principle of public service and they paid a heavy price in their quest to make Northern Ireland a better place. Linda was still a teenager filled with hope for the future, despite having her Daddy stolen away she strove to follow his example.
“Sunday’s service will be emotional and there will be many still feeling the pain almost five decades on, when something or someone so precious is stolen away prematurely, there can be no other response from those left behind - to grieve is to love,” concluded Mr Donaldson.
The Baggley family endured a devastating double tragedy during the Troubles, losing both a father and a sister to separate terrorist attacks within a two-year period.