The West Ham station attack was a bombing and shooting attack at West Ham station in east London on 15 March 1976. A 5 lb (2.3 kg) bomb on a Metropolitan line train exploded prematurely in the front carriage of the train, injuring seven passengers. The bomb detonated prior to reaching the City of London, where it was thought the intended target was Liverpool Street station at rush hour. Adrian Vincent Donnelly, an IRA terrorist, then shot Post Office engineer Peter Chalk in the chest, and killed train driver Julius Stephen, who had attempted to catch him. Donnelly exited the station to the street and threatened people with his revolver before PC Raymond Kiff caught up with him. Shouting "You English bastard!", Donnelly shot himself in the chest, but he survived and was apprehended by Kiff.

Joseph Julius Stephen was just 34 years old. Originally from the West Indies, he lived in Hammersmith with his wife Janet, originally from Barbados, and their four-year-old son, Mark. His bravery was later recognised when he became the first person to receive the Queen’s Gallantry Medal posthumously. In 2022, a memorial plaque was unveiled in his honour.

For his brave actions on that day in 1976, Julius Stephen as he was known to his family, was the first recipient of the Queens Gallantry Medal the QGM.

The Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM), instituted on June 20, 1974, is a British decoration awarded to civilians and military personnel for exemplary acts of bravery, ranked third in the UK honours system below the George Medal. It replaced the Order of the British Empire and British Empire Medal for gallantry, and since 2022, it is known as the King's Gallantry Medal.

Citation for award of Julius’s posthumous Queens Gallantry Medal:

‘Mr. Stephen then moved towards the front of the train where he waved his arms to signal to an oncoming train on another track to stop. As he did this he came face to face with the terrorist who, after an altercation, raised a gun and shot Mr. Stephen’.

On Wednesday, March 11th, 2026, the Ancre Somme Association Charity observed the 50th anniversary of the IRA terrorist attack at West Ham Underground Station, which took place on March 15th, 1976, by holding a memorial service to honour those affected by the tragedy.

The attack saw a bomb explode on a Metropolitan line train before the attacker opened fire as he fled the scene. Train driver Joseph Julius Stephen QGM was fatally shot while courageously confronting the terrorist. Nine other people were injured.

The service took place at the commemorative plaque at West Ham Station and brought together representatives to remember Joseph Stephen’s bravery and reflect on the impact of the attack fifty years on.

Lt Col Ant Maher, Patron of the Ancre Somme Association Charity, said:

“Today we gather to remember Joseph Julius Stephen, a man whose extraordinary courage in the face of terror saved lives and stands as a powerful example of selfless bravery. In the midst of violence and fear, he chose to confront the attacker in order to protect others, and in doing so paid the ultimate price.

“It is vitally important that acts of terrorism such as this are never forgotten, and that the truth of what happened is preserved. Remembrance is not only about honouring the past, but about ensuring that future generations understand the human cost of terrorism and the bravery shown by those who stood against it.

“Through the work of the Ancre Somme Association, we seek to ensure that individuals like Joseph Stephen are remembered with the respect and gratitude they deserve.”

Lexi Davidson, Community Development Officer of the Ancre Somme Association Charity and organiser of the memorial event, said:

“Marking this anniversary here at West Ham Station is an important moment of reflection. Fifty years ago, innocent people going about their daily lives were caught up in a brutal act of terrorism that left families grieving and communities deeply affected.

“Today we remember not only the life of Joseph Julius Stephen and the extraordinary bravery he displayed, but also the nine people who were injured and all those whose lives were changed by that terrible day.

“Our aim in organising this memorial is to ensure that the victims of terrorism are never forgotten and that their stories continue to be told. Remembering events such as this helps us honour the courage shown in the face of terror and ensures that the lessons of the past are not lost.”

Carla Lockhart MP, who serves as UK Ambassador for the Ancre Somme Association Charity, attended the memorial and paid tribute to those affected by the attack.

She said:

“Fifty years ago an act of IRA terrorism brought violence and tragedy to West Ham Station. What should have been an ordinary journey became a moment of devastation for innocent people going about their daily lives.

“Joseph Julius Stephen showed extraordinary courage in confronting the attacker and paid the ultimate price. His bravery remains an enduring example of selflessness and duty in the face of terror.

“It is important that we continue to remember the innocent victims of terrorism and ensure that the brutality of the IRA’s campaign is never sanitised or forgotten. I commend the Ancre Somme Association Charity for their important work in promoting remembrance and ensuring that these stories are preserved for future generations.”

Mrs Lockhart also confirmed she had recently spoken with Joseph Stephen’s widow, Janet, who gave her blessing for the anniversary commemoration and said she was with those gathered “in spirit”.

Also in attendance included family and friends of Joseph Stephen, Member of Parliament for the constituency of West Ham and Beckton, James Asser, and various councillors from Newham Council.

The Ancre Somme Association Charity would like to thank the staff of Transport for London who helped facilitate this service.

The Ancre Somme Association Charity is committed to Remember the Past, Support the Present and Educate for the Future.

We Will Remember Them