On the 15th March 1974 a platoon from ‘A’ company came under attack from an IRA unit across the border, at the same time a large explosion occurred in a field 50 meters short of the VCP. 

A rocket then flew over the VCP but did not explode. Further automatic fire found its target, but a well sited GPMG in the SF role responded with accurate and sustained fire, raking the area where the soldiers had seen the smoke from the enemy weapons.

Tracer was later used which enabled the machine guns to zero in on the fire.

A short while later the Irish Police reported the area as clear and later reports referred to at least ‘one lifeless’ body being carried away, with a second bleeding profusely.