12 November 1975: John Francis Batey, 59-year-old civilian, married and a businessman was murdered by an IRA bomb that had been thrown into Scotts Oyster Bar on Mount Street, Mayfair in central London. A total of 15 people were injured in the explosion. The bomb was made up of explosives and ball bearings. A diner inside the bar said that just before the explosion he saw a figure outside make an underarm lob like a cricket and then the window shattered. He said: conversation suddenly ceased and I heard a fizzing sound. I stood up and there appeared to be a blue flame or light around the area. I turned to my left and put my hands up in an attempt to protect my face. There was an explosion then a pause and the curtains and drapes caught fire. Mr Batey lived in High Dipton, Corbridge Northumberland but was a native of Tyneside. Since 1959, he was the managing director of Tyne Tugs Ltd. After his death tugs were led on the Tyne with their flags at half-mast in tribute to him. LEST WE FORGET!
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 14:29:44 +0000
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