Church hears testimony from minister’s son

The congregation heard testimony from Major David Johnstone, son of Rev Ron Johnstone during the service on Sunday, November 8.

Major Johnstone joined the Royal Irish Rangers (TA) in 1988 in Omagh.

After serving in the ranks and reaching the post of Corporal, he attended Sandhurst and became a Commissioned Officer in 1991.

In the subsequent years Major Johnstone travelled on military exercises to such places as Germany, Ukraine, Canada, and the Falkland Islands.

For a time, he was based at Abbots Croft.

In 2004, as a Captain, David was mobilised to serve on operations in Iraq and spent almost seven months as the Second in Command of a rifle company which was based in Basrah.

On his return he was promoted to Major and was Officer Commanding of C Company based in Armagh for two years.

During Sunday’s service, Carrick Free Presbyterian Church’s Minister, the Rev Stephen McCrea led the proceedings .

A piper led in the flags, and a number of wreaths were laid on behalf of the congregation of Carrick Free Presbyterian Church, the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC, members of the Armed Forces, and St John Ambulance.

The victims of the troubles in Northern Ireland were also remembered in the commemoration.

Meanwhile, East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson laid a wreath on behalf of the constituency.