Remembering Yvonne Fletcher: A Tribute on the 40th Anniversary of Her Tragic Murder
Today marks the solemn occasion of the 40th anniversary of the tragic murder of policewoman Yvonne Fletcher. On April 17th, 1984, while on duty monitoring a protest outside the Libyan Embassy in London, Yvonne Fletcher was fatally shot. Her senseless death sent shockwaves through the nation and left an indelible mark on the history of law enforcement in the United Kingdom.
As we reflect on this sombre anniversary, it is important not only to remember Yvonne Fletcher's life and service but also to honour her memory by continuing to seek justice for her.
In our first episode dedicated to Yvonne, we spoke with Matt Johnson, a close friend who was on traffic duty on that fateful day. Matt witnessed the events unfold and played a crucial role in escorting the ambulance carrying Yvonne to the hospital. His firsthand account offers a poignant insight into the tragic events of April 17th, 1984, and the impact it had on those who knew Yvonne personally.
In the following episode, we were joined by John Murray, another friend and colleague of Yvonne Fletcher. John was by Yvonne's side when she was shot and made a solemn vow to her as they rode together in the ambulance that day — to bring her killer or killers to justice. Since then, John has dedicated his life to fulfilling this promise, turning his grief into a relentless pursuit of truth and accountability. Together with Matt Johnson, John has co-authored the book "No Ordinary Day," chronicling their experiences and the enduring quest for justice in Yvonne's case.
Through storytelling and remembrance, we strive to ensure that Yvonne's legacy lives on — not only as a dedicated policewoman, but as a symbol of resilience and the unwavering pursuit of justice.