UUP Alderman Glenn Barr said:

“We are approaching the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Greenfinches of the Ulster Defence Regiment in July this year, which enabled women to join the Regiment.  The formation of the Greenfinches received Royal Assent on the 18th July 1973, which was the first case of complete integration of men and women in a British military unit and it proved to be a very successful model.  The initial recruitment drive attracted over 530 applications from women whose enlistment started on 16 Sept 1973.

“I was delighted to bring a Notice of Motion to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council to not only honour women who have served their country but more specifically the women who became Greenfinches of the Ulster Defence Regiment Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.  In this significant anniversary year the Ulster Unionist Party will be bringing similar motions to councils across Northern Ireland to mark the enormous contribution that these brave women made in the defeat of terrorism in Northern Ireland.  I don’t believe they have received the level of recognition they so clearly deserve, and I believe that 50 years on since the formation of the Greenfinches we should be showing our appreciation to the bravest of the brave.”