Woolwich pub bombing

The Woolwich pub bombing was an attack by the Provisional Irish Republican Army on the Kings Arms, Woolwich on the south bank of the Thames in London, United Kingdom.

On 7 November 1974, two people were killed in the explosion: Gunner Richard Dunne (aged 42), of the Royal Artillery (the Barracks is just 100 yards away), and Alan Horsley (aged 20), a sales clerk. A further 35 people, including the landlady, Margaret Nash, were injured. Echoing similar attacks in Guildford the previous month, a bomb, made of 6 lb of gelignite plus shrapnel, had been thrown through the window into the pub.

Initially a left-wing extremist group called Red Flag 74 said it had placed the bomb, but responsibility was subsequently claimed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and specifically by part of the Active Service Unit apprehended at the Balcombe Street Siege. Some of the Guildford Four were wrongfully charged with involvement in this bombing.

In continuation of a 'troubles' overseas offensive, the Royal Artillery barracks were bombed by the IRA in December 1983.