'I lost my dad in the Birmingham pub bombings - I'll never stop fighting for the truth'

A man whose father was one of the youngest victims of the Birmingham pub bombings has vowed to 'never stop' fighting for the truth, calling it a 'disgrace' his killers have not been brought to justice after 50 years. Paul Bridgewater, 49, from Birmingham, has called for a public inquiry into the disaster, saying relatives of the 21 victims have 'many questions' that need answering.

Paul's father, Paul Anthony Davies, was among the youngest victims of the Birmingham pub bombings at the age of just 17. He was one of 21 people killed, and 182 injured, when two IRA bombs ripped through the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs on November 21, 1974.

To this day, it remains the largest unsolved mass murder on British soil in recent times, with no one ever brought to justice for the atrocity. Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the bombings this week, Paul Bridgewater, now living near Leeds, vowed to 'never stop fighting' for the truth about that night, adding that his daughter would continue the 'fight for justice' when he can no longer do so.

READ MORE: 50 years on from the Birmingham Pub Bombings I still can't comprehend it

Paul Anthony Davies was walking past the Tavern in the Town with his friend Neil Marsh, who was just 16, the moment the bombers struck. The pair had never originally intended to be in the city centre that night, only passing through because a youth club in Newtown was closed. They were both killed.

Paul Bridgewater has spent the last ten years campaigning with the Justice 4 the 21 group, calling for 'truth, justice and accountability' over what happened that night - and for the names of those responsible to be released. Speaking to BirminghamLive ahead of the 50th anniversary he said: "My emotions are all over the place.

"Every anniversary is emotional, and November is always a weird month for me and my family, but this year feels different and more poignant with it being the 50th anniversary.

"Growing up, I always felt there was a void, like something missing. My mother was a very strong woman, but growing up without a father was challenging - especially when I'd see my friends with their dads."

Paul, 49, was born a few months after his father died, but became interested in campaigning work following the release of the Birmingham Six in 1991, who had wrongly been imprisoned for the crime. "Growing up, we always thought it was those six who had done it, so when they got released it created a lot more confusion," he said.

"Your mind starts asking questions and I took more of an interest in trying to uncover the truth." Paul's calls for a public inquiry have intensified since a decision in 2023 not to bring criminal charges following a reinvestigation.

Despite the 'ups and downs' of the campaign work, he has vowed to continue fighting for justice. "My dad was a strong character, and he'd want me to continue fighting for the truth," Paul said.

"That's what keeps the fire burning inside of me. I've got a couple of photos of him in my house, and everyday I look at them to remind me not to give up, not just on my dad but the 20 others victims and the survivors.

"My daughter will take that mantle if I can't do it anymore - it's so important that the pub bombings stay relevant to the next generation. We're never going to stop fighting."