Wesley Orr
Wesley Orr lost his life in the line of duty on the 16th November 1978. His Red Plaque was unveiled on the 16th November 2024.
On Thursday the 16 November 1978 at approximately 08:20 hours, two IRA terrorists arrived at the Bass Charrington Brewery on the Glen Road, Belfast, where they held a security guard at gun point whilst planting a bomb in one of the warehouses at the site. Minutes after the bombers had fled the scene there was an explosion which resulted in subsequent fire.
Sub Officer Wesley Orr was the Officer in charge of the crew from Lisburn fire station which had been called to the incident. As he led his crew into the warehouse, which contained hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of alcohol for Christmas, there was a second larger explosion. Wesley and his crew were all caught in this second blast and all received injuries of varying degrees, with Wesley sustaining life threatening injuries as he received the full force of the bomb.
He along with his colleagues were transported by ambulance to Musgrave hospital, where tragically despite the best efforts of medical staff he died shortly afterwards, the other crew members recovered from their injuries.
Wesley was accorded a full brigade funeral, with his coffin being carried aboard a fire appliance to the church. Firefighters from Dublin and Clones walked behind the fire appliance that was carrying Wesley’s coffin.
Wesley was from Craig Crescent, Lisburn. He was in the fire service for 35 years and was in charge of the Lisburn section. He was a 53 years old, married father of three and had been awarded the British Empire Medal.
Today, Wesley is fondly remembered by his family, former colleagues, and brothers and sisters in the FBU. His memorial can be found at the former Lisburn Fire Station on Antrim Street.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Councillor Gary Hynds said he was “honoured” to attend the service. He said:
“A lifelong resident of Lisburn and firefighter for 35 years, Wesley died on this date 46 years ago, killed attending an explosion at the Ulster Brewery on the Glen Road. When he and his colleagues arrived within 15 minutes and were carrying out their duties, another explosion went off fatally injuring him. We must always remember the sacrifices made by people like Wesley. He and his colleagues, past and present, are heroes. They run towards dangers when others are running away.”
Below are memories added by those who knew Wesley Orr or had a story that they wish to share with you. If you have a tribute for Wesley Orr that you wish to add, please include your memory below.
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