Title: A Daughters Story

Subject: Life for a young daughter of a UDR Green Finch

“I was two years old when mum joined the UDR and 22 years old when she left. I was aware from a young age that I was never to reveal my mum’s occupation. I was to say that she was a civil servant or a secretary. I have carried this right through until today.

I remember wondering why mum was always dropping her car keys when she went out to get into the car. She would drop her keys and then pick them up and say, “Silly me!” and then off we would go. Of course I know now that she was checking under the car for bombs. I also remember taking different routes when we went on car journeys and mum explaining it was just another adventure.

I was told never to answer the door to strangers and I was always aware if there were unfamiliar cars around the area. To this day I still remember number plates.

I knew that I must never disclose a name on the telephone until I knew the identity of the caller and that is still with me when I respond to a telephone call today. My father was in the police so we had to be security conscious at all times. It’s amazing that I have carried some of these practices through to my adulthood.

We were brought up not to differentiate between Protestants and Catholics in our home in terms of attitudes or friends. There was no hatred for Catholics in our home – no stereotyping or derogatory comments, and that has shaped my attitudes today, particularly with my Catholic friends.

I also have positive memories. I remember the great craic at the Christmas parties at the Camp and Santa flying in on a helicopter (although I figured out that it was really the Sergeant Major dressed up!) and we were getting an extra present from this Santa.

It was like a subculture of people when we were together. Everyone was able to have fun and relax with families and colleagues at those parties in the big hall. It wasn’t like an office party – it was like a family within a bigger family. I remember helping mum to make sandwiches for family days out – we had great outings. I made friends with children of other soldiers.

Now that I am older I understand the risks and dangers my mum had in her job. Not like my friends’ mums who worked in the dentists or whatever. But it wasn’t just a job. There was a sense of selflessness of doing her duty for the country. When I grew up I realised that she must be thinking, ‘What will happen tonight?’ or ‘Will I be coming home?’ When I think about this I get an overwhelming realization of what she must have faced.

Now I work as a social worker with a voluntary organization. I always wanted to work with people of whatever background and so I qualified as a social worker. I think my mum’s open attitude has maybe influenced me to go into this career.

I have a great sense of pride in my parents. I don’t think their service got the full recognition it deserved”.