[4] The gunman responsible is believed to be Provisional IRA member Billy Reid, who was killed later that year in a gunfight.

During the first week of February 1971, there was major violence in many Irish republican areas of Belfast when the British Army launched a series of searches for IRA arms.

As the troop moved to the junction they were attacked with a barrage of stones and bottles by the mob and deployed in “riot-formation” with shields as protection.

Gunner Curtis was hit by a ricochet which passed through the shoulder opening of his flak jacket, penetrating his heart.

His daughter was married wearing her father's wedding ring and later named her son Robert in honour of his grandfather.

I was on left flank, close to houses, very uncomfortable every time we passed one of the many narrow alleys leading off the road, seemed like ideal hiding place for attackers.

When we reached New Lodge Road a lot of rioting going on, initially we cordoned NLR off, stones, bottles incoming in large quantities, also nail bombs (multiple as I recall, not just one as is often reported).

Whilst standing there, an overweight guy in white shirt and dark jacket came around corner of tower block on our left (part of Artillery flats), took aim with pistol and fired off several shots.