Family honours young police reservist Linda Baggley on 50th anniversary of her IRA murder in Derry
The family of a father and daughter, who were shot dead by the IRA in Derry less than three years apart, have paid tribute to their ‘bubbly, outgoing’ sister ahead of the 50th anniversary of her death.
Linda was a 19-year-old sales assistant who like her father William (Bill) was a Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) reservist.
She was shot dead by the IRA near the bottom of Chapel Road on June 2, 1976, while patrolling with a RUC colleague.
Her murder came less than three years after her father, from Blackburn Crescent in the Woodburn area, was also shot dead by the IRA in January 1974.
William (Bill) was a 43-year-old father of three, and worked as an accountant. He was also on patrol with a colleague when he was gunned down on the Dungiven Road, metres from where Linda would also be killed.
Speaking ahead of the SEFF North West service this Sunday, May 31, where Linda’s family will read a reflection, her siblings Lorraine and Graham said losing her ‘leaves an ache inside us, but her memory leaves a gift that we’ll have forever.’
“Our sister was only 19 years old when she was murdered. Linda was shot on 23rd May 1976 and died from her injuries on 2nd June 1976.
“We had our Dad William also stolen away in January 1974, he too was a Reserve Constable; we never imagined lightning could possibly strike twice - but it did.
“Linda was a very bubbly, outgoing girl, she enjoyed sports at School and was in the hockey and badminton teams. Linda also had a keen eye for fashion, and was regularly ahead of the curve, as soon as she started working and had her own money she enjoyed nothing more than wearing the latest styles, she was full of life.
“After our Dad’s murder Linda became our support for Mum and for us. Life was never dull around Linda. Her energy, humour and zest for life was clear to be seen and enjoyed by all who knew her.
“Linda worked in Long’s Supermarket and joined the RUC Reserve in 1975. She loved the banter among work colleagues and the comradeship in the RUC. She made friends easily, was very chatty which was evidenced in her school reports where the familiar words would appear ‘Linda should chat less and channel more enthusiasm into her work!’
“After Linda’s passing our house became so empty, there was no laughter just darkness and sadness. Through time and with the love and help of aunts and uncles, our church Glendermott Parish and the RUC GC family, we continued life as best we could although we were forever mindful just how different life was without our previous dad and loving sister.
“We honour Linda with gratitude, for her dedication to her family, for her determination to follow on our dad’s footsteps and her commitment to living life to its fullest. These words are but a brief insight into who she was, but it speaks as to how proud our Mum and we were of her.
“Losing a sister like Linda leaves an ache inside us, but her memory leaves a gift that we’ll have forever.
“We feel blessed that we will be sharing a reflection at SEFF’s North West service on Sunday 31st May 2026, taking place in Newbuildings Methodist Church, commencing at 3pm. It is important for us as a family to be surrounded by other victims/survivors over what will be a difficult weekend and difficult week, next week. The presence of children from Newbuildings Primary School who will sing a number of pieces will also uplift us.
“Linda was our pride and joy, forever loved, forever missed and never forgotten. All gave some, but some gave all,” concluded the statement.
Speaking on the 50th anniversary of their father’s death in 2024, Linda and Graham told how Linda was ‘the first female police officer to be shot through terrorism, and sadly she wasn’t the last.’
They added: “We hoped she might pull through but alas her injuries were just too serious. Linda was just a young girl at the beginning of her life. She was just 19-years-old, single and she worked as a sales assistant. She was great with people.
"Daddy and Linda were trying to protect the community; they did not have hatred in their hearts for their neighbours. We will forever seek to protect the integrity of the people they were,” concluded their statement.
Kenny Donaldson, SEFF’s Director said Sunday’s service will be emotional.
“The Baggley family circle are deeply respected within SEFF, across the RUC GC family and beyond. Having a husband and father stolen away to then be followed by a daughter and sister through terrorism just two years later is unimaginable.
“Cruelly Linda and her Daddy William were attacked by Provisional IRA terrorists two years apart but there was less than 100 metres distance between where the crimes were committed.
“The family were wedded to the principle of public service and they paid a heavy price in their quest to make Northern Ireland a better place. Linda was still a teenager filled with hope for the future, despite having her Daddy stolen away she strove to follow his example.
“Sunday’s service will be emotional and there will be many still feeling the pain almost five decades on, when something or someone so precious is stolen away prematurely, there can be no other response from those left behind - to grieve is to love,” concluded Mr Donaldson.