A SWORD which belonged to an Army officer killed in Oman 50 years ago is to be dedicated at Peninsula Barracks, Warrington on Monday (February 6).
Major Paul Wright was a Royal Engineer who later joined the SAS. He was killed in action during the Dhofar War on February 6 1973 at the age of 27 while seconded from the SAS to the Sultan of Oman’s Armed Forces.
For his actions, he was awarded the Sultan’s Gallantry Medal, Oman’s highest military award.
A memorial service will be held at Major Wright’s graveside at St Mary’s Church, Rostherne, followed by a dedication of his sword at the barracks in Warrington.
As an ex-Royal Engineer, 75 Engineer Regiment (the Royal Engineer Reserve unit in the North West) will host the events. At the same time, Royal Engineers based in Oman are planning to conduct a similar memorial where Major Wright was killed.
The sword was recently gifted to the regiment and has already been used ceremonially by a member of 75 Engineer Regiment during the proclamation of the King.
After the dedication at Warrington, a veteran who served with Major Wright in Dhofar is going to recount some stories about their time there.
Major Wright has no surviving immediate family but friends, veterans he served with, representatives of the Royal Engineer Association and Special Forces Association will be attending, along with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, the Mayor of Warrington and members of 75 Engineer Regiment.
The graveside service will be at 2pm and the sword dedication at Warrington at 3.30pm.
