Keith, maybe I should have been more clear in my post but I thought you would be able to read between the lines. McGrath has hit the nail on the head. The bomb was being planted in the van to be detonated in the Republic of Ireland. The killing of the band members was to ensure there would be no witnesses after the placement of the bomb was botched.

Maybe a more interesting question you shold be asking or pondering Keith, is how would a bomb intended for the Irish Republic, planted by a loyalist gang aided by an English officer, further British establishment policies? It appears that Nairac was not carrying a UDR issued weapon, incase you were interested.

While we are on the subject it may be interesting to research Nairac a little more especially in the case of the Monaghan and Dublin bombings. Those bombs were spectacularly effective and accounted for the most people killed in one day throughout the entire period of the troubles. This atrocity has always been credited to the UVF. Which is surprising given their track record of effectively removing themselves from the face of the planet as opposed to their intended victims.

McGrath could you clarify,"but that proves nothing", at the end of your post? I'm curious, thanks in advance.