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Sunday 30 January 1972 is remembered as arguably the deadliest – and consequential – dates during three decades of conflict in the region.

In the streets of the incident – the images of that fateful day are visible on the structures and etched in collective memory.

A public gathering was held on a chilly yet clear afternoon in the city.

The protest was a protest against the policy of internment – imprisoning people without legal proceedings – which had been implemented following three years of violence.

Military personnel from the elite army unit fatally wounded thirteen individuals in the Bogside area – which was, and continues to be, a overwhelmingly republican area.

A particular photograph became particularly memorable.

Photographs showed a clergyman, Father Daly, waving a bloodied white handkerchief as he tried to shield a assembly carrying a young man, the fatally wounded individual, who had been killed.

Media personnel documented extensive video on the day.

Documented accounts includes the priest telling a media representative that military personnel "appeared to discharge weapons randomly" and he was "absolutely certain" that there was no provocation for the discharge of weapons.

That version of events was rejected by the first inquiry.

The initial inquiry concluded the military had been fired upon initially.

Throughout the peace process, the administration set up a new investigation, in response to advocacy by bereaved relatives, who said the initial inquiry had been a cover-up.

That year, the conclusion by the investigation said that on balance, the paratroopers had initiated shooting and that none of the casualties had posed any threat.

The contemporary government leader, David Cameron, expressed regret in the government chamber – declaring killings were "unjustified and unacceptable."

The police started to look into the matter.

An ex-soldier, known as Soldier F, was brought to trial for homicide.

He was charged concerning the deaths of the first individual, 22, and twenty-six-year-old William McKinney.

The defendant was further implicated of attempting to murder multiple individuals, additional persons, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn, and an unidentified individual.

Remains a court ruling protecting the veteran's anonymity, which his lawyers have maintained is essential because he is at risk of attack.

He testified the examination that he had only fired at individuals who were carrying weapons.

The statement was rejected in the final report.

Evidence from the examination was unable to be used immediately as testimony in the criminal process.

In the dock, the defendant was shielded from sight using a blue curtain.

He addressed the court for the opening instance in the hearing at a session in late 2024, to answer "not guilty" when the charges were presented.

Kin of the deceased on that day travelled from the city to the courthouse daily of the case.

A family member, whose brother Michael was fatally wounded, said they understood that attending the case would be difficult.

"I visualize all details in my mind's eye," the relative said, as we examined the key areas referenced in the case – from the street, where Michael was fatally wounded, to the nearby Glenfada Park, where the individual and the second person were fatally wounded.

"It even takes me back to my location that day.

"I assisted with my brother and put him in the medical transport.

"I went through every moment during the proceedings.

"Despite experiencing everything – it's still valuable for me."