Civil rights movement 1968-69 - 16 November 1968

16 November 1968 - 15, 000 march in Derry

The Derry Citizens' Action Committee (DCAC) defied a ban on marches in Derry.
15, 000 people marched from the railway station at the Waterside along Duke Street, where the protest on 05 October 1968 had been halted, and then across Craigavon Bridge, at which point they were met by a police cordon. The leaders of the protest approached the barriers where Ivan Cooper, DCAC chairman, spoke through a loud-hailer. District Inspector McGimpsey told the marchers that a ban had been imposed on parades inside the walls of Derry. Cooper replied, "We wish to inform Mr William Craig and the police that we are marching in the name of civil rights. This is our city. Anyone has the right to march in it and we are taking that right." Four members of the committee got through the police barrier in a gesture to show the right to march.

The protest was well-marshalled by stewards who addressed the crowd and held a line in front of the police barriers. Singing ''We Shall Overcome'' and chanting ''Craig out'', the march proceeded to the Diamond and eventually into Guildhall Square.

O'Neill appeals for calm

Prime Minister of Northern Ireland Terence O'Neill appeals, "...with all the sincerity at my command for the exercise in Londonderry tomorrow of the maximum calm and restraint. A cooling-off period is vitally essential to enable us to get back to normality."

"I am hoping that calm and common sense will prevail"

On the eve of the civil rights demonstration, Minister of Home Affairs William Craig speaks to reporters and outlines his fear of disorder across Ulster if there is trouble in Derry.

15, 000 march in Derry

DCAC lead a march through the city. At the police barrier, Ivan Cooper proclaims the protesters' objectives. Michael Canavan, John White, William Breslin and Dermot McClenaghan breach the police cordon. The main body of the march then crosses Craigavon Bridge and proceeds down John Street.

Prayers for peace in Derry

Prayers are held in Derry for peace in the city.