The Orange Order has won an apology from the Ministry of
Defence over comments allegedly made about the late Harold
Gracey by an Army General.
The Order took up the issue after details of the comments
were provided in the book 'Rules of Engagement' by Colonel
Tim Collins.
The Ulster soldier had outlined that at a dinner at Warminster
in Wiltshire, it had been announced that Mr Gracey had died,
and a brigadier raised his glass after making the announcement.
The general concerned, who has not been named, then took up
the theme when addressing those present, likening Mr Gracey
to Slobodan Milosevic and Saddam Hussein.
Following complaints from individuals and one lodge - Fernhill
Temperance LOL 1338 - the Order wrote to the Ministry of Defence
about the issue. Now, almost a year after the issue was raised,
the Ministry of Defence has said sorry.
In a letter, the Adjutant General Secretariat of the M.O.D.
has outlined to the Order that the details of the event are
not clearly remembered by those present at the dinner in question
"not surprising given that it was at a private function
that took place in 2004".
"Nevertheless, it does appear that a comment was made
concerning Mr Gracey and the Ministry of Defence regret any
distress that has been caused to his family and friends following
Colonel Collins mention of the incident," the letter
says.
The apology has been welcomed by Dr. David Hume, Director
of Services of the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
"Although it has taken a year for this matter to be
cleared up, we are pleased that at last regret has been expressed,"
he said.
The Order has written to the Gracey family to inform them
of the letter from the Ministry of Defence.
"Harold Gracey's dignified and determined stand at Drumcree
was all about exercising the democratic right to dissent.
For his name to be used in such a way as was outlined by Colonel
Collins was reprehensible and must have caused the Gracey
family considerable distress when they became aware of it,"
said Dr. Hume.
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