William Ronald Crooks

Died

23 April 1976

Age

Rank

Reserve Constable

Force

Royal Ulster Constabulary

Cause

Homicide - Shot

Duty Status

On Duty

Roll of Honour Citation

Died in hospital after being fatally wounded when his mobile patrol was ambushed by terrorist gunmen.

Roll of Honour Citation

Died in hospital after being fatally wounded when his mobile patrol was ambushed by terrorist gunmen.

Circumstances

Reserve Constable Crooks was on mobile patrol on 22 April at 10:40pm in Coalisland when his car was ambushed by terrorist gunmen. They opened fire on his car as it approached Dernagh Crossroads. A total of 14 shots were fired with 7 hitting the patrol car.

Reserve Constable Crooks was seriously wounded and was taken to hospital. He died at 2.50am on 23 April from his wounds. The other two police officers in the car were also wounded.

Reserve Constable Crooks died in hospital at 2:50am the day after he was seriously wounded while on mobile patrol in Coalisland when, at 10:40pm, his car was ambushed by terrorist gunmen as it approached Dernagh Crossroads. A total of fourteen shots were fired with seven hitting the patrol car.

Two other officers in the car were also wounded.