On October 4, 1974, a 6lb bomb exploded in an alcove of the Horse and Groom pub in Guildford, Surrey.

Two Barrhead men and off-duty members of the Scots Guards, privates John Hunter, 17, and William Forsyth, 18, were killed.

Almost 38 year later their names were added to the war memorial which now stands in the Cowan Park after a plea from their families.

On that fateful night, two bombs went off in two pubs packed with Saturday night revellers in the town of Guildford. Many of the victims were soldiers back from duty in Northern Ireland, however John and William were amongst four soldiers killed, as well as one civilian.

A second bomb exploded half an hour later in the nearby Seven Stars. Most of the casualties were the result of the initial bomb, which went off without warning.

All pubs and two cinemas in the Surrey town were shut down for fear of further attacks and police sealed off the area.

Guildford is situated close to a number of garrison towns. Its night life was popular with soldiers who were part of the 6000 military personnel in the area.

Four people – ‘The Guildford Four’ – were convicted of the bombings. But the convictions were later overturned after they had served 14 years in prison.

Both soldiers lived in the same street in Barrhead and it is believed that their families still live in the town.

If you are a member of either soldier’s families, we would like to get in touch to help produce a fitting tribute to them in the run up to the bombing’s 40th anniversary.

Please get in touch through 0141 435 8885 or by contacting us on editorial@barrheadnews.co.uk