Billy Reid

Billy Reid (1939 - 1971) was a Provisional Irish Republican Army volunteer and member of the above mentioned organization's Belfast Brigade. He grew up in Carrickhill and attended Catholic school. He enjoyed art, music and cycling.

IRA activities
On February 6, 1971, Gunner Robert Curtis was shot dead in Belfast, the first official military casualty of The Troubles. Reid is reported to have been the gunman. The next day, the unionist prime minister of Northern Ireland declared war on the IRA.

On May 15, 1971, 32-year-old Reid was among members of the Third Battalion Belfast Brigade who ambushed a British foot patrol in the city centre. During the ensuing firefight, Reid tried to return a gun to another IRA member and was killed by a soldier. His body was then kicked and dragged around by the hair post-mortem.