Pictures John Hopkins
VIDEO: A SWORD that belonged to an Army officer killed in action in Oman 50 years ago today has been dedicated at Peninsula Barracks, Warrington.
Major Paul Wright was a Royal Engineer who later joined the SAS, who 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 was also held at Major Wright’s graveside at St Mary’s Church, Rostherne, which was followed by the 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) hosted the event. At the same time, Royal Engineers based in Oman conducted 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 King Charles.
Major Wright has no surviving immediate family but friends, veterans he served with, representatives of the Royal Engineer Association and Special Forces Association attended, along with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, the Mayor of Warrington and members of 75 Engineer Regiment.
