John Robert Nelson Hallawell

Died

:

28 October 1983

Age

:

35

Rank

:

Constable

Force

:

Royal Ulster Constabulary

Cause

:

Homicide - Shot

Duty Status

:

On Duty

Roll of Honour Citation

Fatally shot by terrorists while on duty in Sheelin Park, Ballymagroarty, Londonderry.

Although unarmed and wearing civilian clothing, Constable Hallawell was on duty organising a cross-community disco in his role as a community relations officer when, as he left the home of a youth worker, got into his own car and switched on the ignition, three or four terrorists approached the car and fired between ten and fifteen shots through the windscreen at point blank range. As the car pulled away John was hit by four bullets and fatally wounded.

The terrorists escaped in a hijacked car and were never brought to justice.

John joined the RUC in 1971 and was married to Anne with whom he had three children who were aged 13, 11 and 10 at the time of the incident.