ulster special constabulary service records

2. Special Constable Thomas Sheridan from Co Cavan was shot dead by a sniper shortly before midnight on Sunday, June 6, 1922. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. [77] However, on 14 August they did not hold back Protestants who attacked the Catholic Dover and Percy streets in the Falls/Divis district, and instead "fought back" Catholics there. Encyclopedia.com. [56], During the Second World War, the USC was mobilised to serve in Britain's Home Guard, which unusually, was put under the command of the police rather than the British Army.[68]. The USC's most intense period of deployment was in the first half of 1922, when conditions of a low-intensity war existed along the new Irish border between the Free State and Northern Ireland. [3], The force was almost exclusively Ulster Protestant and as a result was viewed with great mistrust by Catholics. One is the correspondence registers which contain lists of members names who paid into the fund with notes regarding whether the person had been pensioned, died, or received any rewards from the fund. Special Constables who complete an additional period of ten years service are eligible for a clasp to the medal, upon the recommendation of the Chief Officer of Police. William was killed in Action when involved in Air Operations at Banja Luka, Yugoslavia on 18th August 1944 when he was 24 years old. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. . Deployment of the USC during the Anglo-Irish War provided the Northern Ireland government with its own territorial militia to fight the IRA. [37] Macready and Henry Hughes Wilson argued that the concept of a special constabulary was a dangerous one. These register books recorded the constables service history. Any views expressed in message boards and members notes represent the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions of Findmypast Limited. WebIn pictures - Ulster Special Constabulary Association unveil Ballymena memorial. Most of these (72) were killed in conflict with the IRA in 1921 and 1922. The Ulster Special Constabulary was set up in 1920 and dissolved in 1970 "Proni will scope the cataloguing and sensitivity review of the administrative records of the USC for the 1920s. WebQuick Reference. Description Platoon of Newtownbutler "A" Special Constabulary, under the command of Major Parkinson-Cummine and Captain Dunne (seated in centre). Another 530 civilians and 35 IRA men were killed in the Northern conflict of 19201922. The oldest - "Guns in Ulster" has a publishing date of 1967 but it is a record of the formation of the USC from 1921 until the mid 60s. : Octavo. The NICRA called for protests elsewhere to support those in Derry, leading to the violence spreading throughout Northern Ireland, especially in Belfast. The lists show the chief constables name, county, and station. The RIC constables found within these records were employed during contentious years in Irish history. The Royal Irish Constabulary was established as a peace-keeping force dedicated to the detection and prevention of crime throughout Ireland. Pricing & History. [15], The idea of a volunteer police force in the north appealed to British Prime Minister David Lloyd George for several practical reasons; it freed up the RIC and military for use elsewhere in Ireland, it was cheap, and it did not need new legislation. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? [82] He also remarked that although "recruitment is open to both Protestant and Roman Catholic: in practice we are in no doubt that it is almost if not wholly impossible for a Roman Catholic recruit to be accepted. Formed as an auxiliary armed police force by the new Northern Irish government, the Ulster Specials in 1922 consisted of A full-time, B [67], The Special Constabulary were called out during the 12 July period in Belfast in 1931 after sectarian rioting broke out. Superintendents journal and letter book, RIC acts (two copies, one with amendments to 1918), Statement on behalf of the officers commenting on Part 1 of the Report of the Committee on the Police Services in England, Wales, and Scotland, Veterans' division: temporary constables, drivers, fitters. WebUlster County, N.Y. probate records in the office of the surrogate, and in the county clerk's office at Kingston, N.Y. In some cases, the records list the marital status, names of spouses, and birth dates and places. Newtownbutler Special Constabulary Feb 21, 2022 #83 From Ballymena Weekly Telegraph, 8th April 1922: 1. Many records only recorded the constables first initial; therefore, if your search is unsuccessful, try searching for only your ancestors surname or select the name variants option on the search field. The Ulster Unionist Labour Association had established an "unofficial special constabulary," with members drawn chiefly from the shipyards, tasked with policing Protestant areas. It was an armed corps, organised partially on military lines and called out in times of emergency, such as war or insurgency. [24] Charles Wickham, Chief of Police for the north of Ireland, favoured incorporation of the Ulster Volunteers into "regular military units" instead of having to "face them down". Uniforms took the same pattern as RIC/RUC dress with high collared tunics. Find your military ancestors at Forces War Records First Name Surname If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. WebUlster Special Constabulary, 192070. The Centenary Historical Advisory Panel is chaired by Queen's University historian Professor Paul Bew and includes academics from Cambridge University, Sheffield University and Ulster University. The force trained at Phoenix Park Depot. However, once it became apparent that the British government was committed to implementing Dominion Status for all of Ireland outside Ulster in response to Sinn Fein's demands, which were far more radical than those of the defunct Irish Parliamentary Party, Unionists in most of the province of Ulster directed their energies into the partition of Ireland by the creation of Northern Ireland as an autonomous region in the United Kingdom. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. The Bronze Medal was initially created to reward service during the First World War, but it is now awarded to all ranks in the Special Constabulary in recognition of 9 years of unpaid service with more than 50 annual duties. [33] The USC were largely held in reserve in July and only hesitantly committed in August. Their duties would include combatting the urban guerrilla operations of the IRA, and the suppression of the local IRA in rural areas. WebThese records list the names of the clerical staff who worked for the Royal Irish Constabulary. An inquest advised that the Special Constabulary "should not be allowed into any locality occupied by people of an opposite denomination. Members of the platoon with Lancia car and dog Peter Mc 5,696 2,388 35 Inspector When you find one record for your ancestor, document his service number and use it to search all the records. Numbered Memorials A B The police force of Northern Ireland, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), came into existence on 1 June 1922 upon the disbandment of the Royal Irish [23] There was an immediate and illicit supply of arms available; especially from the Ulster Volunteers. The RUC had a paramilitary character until 1970, when the force was remodeled along the lines of police forces in Great Britain. [65], Assessments of the USC's role in this conflict vary. However, the date of retrieval is often important. And it's not all serious business. WebPlease note we are unable to feature dedicated trees, plaques and benches in the list below. } ." color: #FFF; Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. The article explains the continuities between the revolutionary Ulster Volunteer Force and the Ulster Special Constabulary with an overview of the constabulary's establishment in 1920. Instead of paving stones and sticks they are to be given rifles. Formed in 1920 the Ulster Special Constabulary was also known as the B-Specials. WebLisburn won the Ulster Special Constabulary (South Antrim District) Cup for rifle shooting at Langford Lodge, Crumlin, on Saturday, scoring 297 points. Fees: The fees associated with the release of records are [citation needed], The IRA issued a statement which said that any Catholics who joined the specials would be treated as traitors by them and would be dealt with accordingly.[26]. - names and addresses of Special Constables sworn in as Ordinary Special Constables in Leighton Buzzard and Uniforms did not become available until 1922. In late 1921, a Belfast police officer came across a secretive loyalist paramilitary organization known as the Ulster Protestant Association or UPA, operating in the city. "[37][39] John Anderson, the Under Secretary for Ireland (head of the British Administration in Dublin) shared his fears, "you cannot, in the middle of a faction fight, recognise one of the contending parties and expect it to deal with disorder in the spirit of impartiality and fairness essential in those who have to carry out the order of the Government. If anyone can help i would appriciate their help.George, Member Since: Constabulary Force Funds In addition they were to prevent border incursion, smuggling of arms and escape of fugitives. The new region would consist of two thirds of Ulster, the six counties that Unionists could control. George Clark Police Constable, Metropolitan Police, 29 June 1846 Admiralty Civil Police, 16 January 1950 Read More. Many of the surviving records have already been deposited in local The formation of the Ulster Special Constabulary was therefore announced on 22 October 1920. The USC continued to do duties for a month after the formation of the UDR and RUC Reserve to give both of the new forces time to consolidate. Records in this collection show dates from before the creation of the constabulary force. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ulster-special-constabulary, "Ulster Special Constabulary [i][38], Wilson warned the formation of a partisan constabulary "would mean; taking sides, civil war and savage reprisals. The remarks column explains if the recruit resigned or was dismissed, as well as where they were stationed. It was preceded by local paramilitary defense forces that were officially recognized in June 1920 as the Ulster Special Constabulary (USC) and divided into "A" (full-time), "B" (part-time), and "C" (reserve) sections. King George V and Queen Mary arrive for the opening of the parliament of Northern Ireland in June 1921, The Ulster Special Constabulary was set up in 1920 and dissolved in 1970, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Excellent condition with only minor signs of external wear. Due to a decrease in members for reasons of death, injury, low recruitment, and resignation, the British government dispatched auxiliary forces of ex-servicemen to make up the numbers. Precedents for change of regulations. Can anyone tell me where the records are held for the Ulster Special Constabulary a part time unit of the Royal Ulster Constabulary founded [88] Initially, the Regiment had 4,000 members who worked part-time while the new special constabulary, the RUC Reserve which replaced the B-Specials, initially consisted of 1,500 members.[89][90][91]. WebAbstract. WebThe British Government has accepted the recommendations of the Hunt committee on policing in Northern Ireland which include the abolition of the Ulster Special Constabulary, know as the 'B Specials'. [30], Scarman concluded in his report on the civil disturbance in the region in 1969 that: "Undoubtedly mistakes were made and certain individual officers acted wrongly on occasions. Arising out the disturbances, the British Prime Minister Harold Wilson announced that the B Specials would be "phased out of their current role". } The lists recorded the staff members birth date, age at appointment, rank (such as junior or senior clerk), and department. These include correspondences, intelligence notes, programmes of ceremony, constabulary codes and lists of good men to name but a few. ." The use of Specials to reinforce the RIC also allowed for the re-opening of over 20 barracks in rural areas which had previously been abandoned because of IRA attacks. In the following Scarman Tribunal, the findings said "the Tribunal has been at a loss to find any explanation for the shooting, which it is satisfied was a reckless and irresponsible thing to do. [34], By July 1921, more than 3,500 A Specials had been enrolled, and almost 16,000 B Specials. The Special Constabulary was, as well as an auxiliary to the police, effectively an army under the control of the Northern Ireland administration. Records are from the following municipalities: West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1910, West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1512-1812, West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1813-1935, Provided in association with West Yorkshire Archive Service. WebThe National Archives has administrative records relating to the Railway and Transport Police, but not records relating to its investigation of crime. "The Irish government has put considerable money into funding the release of archives relating to pensions that were given to 1916 veterans and people like that.". [11] See The Troubles in Northern Ireland (19201922) and Timeline of the Irish War of Independence. Historians advising the government on how to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland have requested access to secret official files from the early 1920s. At a 2 September 1920 meeting of government Ministers in London Craig said that the loyal population was losing faith in the government's ability to protect them and that loyalist paramilitary groups threatened, in the words of Craig, "a recourse to arms, which would precipitate civil war". The government suggested that, with enough Catholic recruits, special constabulary patrols made up of Catholics only could be extended into Catholic areas. The Royal Irish Constabulary was disbanded in August 1922 and a new police force, Garda Sochna, took its place. [74], The two main centres of disturbance were in Belfast and Derry. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. In most cases these weapons were retained at home by the constables along with a quantity of ammunition. On 30 April 1970, the USC was finally stood down, as a result of the Hunt Committee Report. The districts were based on the existing RIC divisions. WebThe Special Constabulary Long Service Medal is a long service medal awarded in the United Kingdom to members of the Special Constabulary who have completed a In 1970 the security of Northern Ireland became the responsibility of the RUC, the British army, and the Ulster Defence 1, Records and services, auxiliary division, journal no. WebThe Ulster Special Constabulary Pensions (Lump Sum Payments to Widows) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1973 (NISRO 1973-483).pdf 872 1,395, 2 pages; 88 KB Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, Ulster reverse.png 494 526; 345 KB "Proni will aim to open the files once classification, cataloguing and sensitivity review has been safely completed in line with Covid-19 protocols. Seven teams took part. The USC were deployed in 1969 to support the RUC in the 1969 Northern Ireland riots. [92] An Orange lodge was formed to commemorate the disbandment of the force called "Ulster Special Constabulary LOL No 1970". Several informal "constabulary" groups had already been created, for example, in Belfast, Fermanagh and Antrim. It has been argued that their failure to deal with the 1969 disturbances was due to a failure on behalf of the Northern Ireland government to modernise their equipment, weaponry, training and approach to the job. These ultimately led to the disbanding of the Ulster Special Constabulary. Ulster County, N.Y. probate You can also find records of Royal Irish Constabulary clerical staff. Ruc Royal Ulster Constabulary Boxed Service Medal N Ireland Irish Police. 192070. Web2.1 Ulster Special Constabulary 2.2 Royal Ulster Constabulary. Michael Collins planned a clandestine guerilla campaign against Northern Ireland using the IRA. "[84], Cameron recommended that the purposes of the USC as a reserve civilian police force, as well as a counter-insurgency reserve, be properly made known in recruitment and training so that it would be more attractive to Catholics. A total of 300 Special Constables were also mobilised into the RUC during the disturbances. The British Government commissioned three reports into the policing response to the 1969 riots. Speaking to The Impartial Reporter ahead of the book launch, David explained that he was inspired to write 'Duty Bound' 4 Problems within the Polices forces. The service number will help narrow your results and you may discover records you could not find before. It wasn't until the County and Borough Police Act of 1856 that it became compulsory for municipalities to establish a police force. "The Public Record Office staff are doing amazing work but I think it's fair to suggest that they need additional resources to be able to complete this.". the Royal Ulster Constabulary was transformed into the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in November of 2001 (Mulcahy 2006, 179). With each result, you will find an image of the original document held at The National Archives in England and a transcript of the vital details. ", Official events to mark NI centenary revealed, Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine, Explosion derails train in Russian border region, JP Morgan snaps up troubled US bank First Republic. These usually relate to men who served with the Peace Preservation Force, an early peace-keeping force in Ireland. September 2004, Can anyone tell me where the records are held for the Ulster Special Constabulary a part time unit of the Royal Ulster Constabulary founded 1920 and disbanded 1970. For centuries, law enforcement in English towns and parishes was left to local constables and watchmen. After the Truce between the IRA and the British on 11 July 1921, the USC was demobilised by the British and the IRA was given official recognition while peace talks were ongoing. "To be perfectly honest, I think a lot of this is a resourcing issue. WebRoyal Irish Constabulary Service Records 1816-1922 also contains a variety of additional documents that record details of the Forces daily operations. [22], There was a willingness to arm or recognise existing Protestant militias. The IRA called off their campaign in February 1962. I am trying to find records for my friends Father and his Uncle. WebThe fax number for Records is (801) 377-7315. Ulster Special Constabulary, Coleraine This page summarises records created by this Organisation The summary includes a brief description of the collection (s) The collection contains a variety of records related to the administration of the Royal Irish Constabulary. This Friday, local historian David Keys will launch his latest book, 'Duty Bound', which collates information on the Special Constabulary/Ulster Special Constabulary (UFC), commonly called 'the B-Specials'. Date: 1970 Feb 13-1970 Jun 02 Held by: The National Archives, Kew: Former reference in its original department: NI 5/54/01 (9044/1/1970) Legal status: Public Record(s) Then, copy and paste the text into your bibliography or works cited list. "[43], The standard of training was varied. This record is held by Bedfordshire Archives. His recommendations included:[7], The Ulster Special Constabulary was disbanded in May 1970. Kind regards, Pierce Peter Mc 5,696 2,385 35 Inspector General Jan 27, 2020 #2 Names re-posted for Platoons had two officers, a Head Constable, four sergeants and sixty special constables. Partition was enacted by the British Parliament in the Government of Ireland Act 1920. It has been argued that their failure to deal with the 1969 disturbances was due to a failure on behalf of the Northern Ireland government to modernise their equipment, weaponry, training and approach to the job.[86]. The Ulster Special Constabulary (USC; commonly called the "B-Specials" or "B Men") was a quasi-military[1] reserve special constable police force in what would later become Northern Ireland. The lists recorded the staff members birth date, age at appointment, rank (such as junior or senior clerk), and department. 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Last post The Royal Irish Constabulary Band, 1861 - 1922 by Hughm862 2:49 PM - Feb 20 Memorials to the Irish Police Memorials and graves as genealogical and historical research tools. On 23 July 1920 Craig informed the British cabinet that the "Specials" would "prevent mob law and the Protestants from running amok. The USC consisted of 32,000 men divided into four sections, all of whom were armed: The units were organised on military lines up to company level. Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth. In Northern Ireland, the police force became the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Together, the records will help to provide an overview of your ancestors career in the force. It was founded on 1 June 1922 out of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), the Belfast Borough Police Force and the Derry Borough Police Force (known colloquially as the "Derry City Force" - a name which stayed for many years). The Specials, who were armed and not trained for riot duty, used deadly force on a number of occasions. 2023 . With police and troops being drawn towards combating insurgency in the south and west, Unionists wanted a force that would be dedicated to taking on the IRA. In Belfast, the Specials were trained in much the same way as the regular police whereas in rural areas the USC was focused on counter-guerilla operations. "[48] The government suggested the recruitment of more Catholics to form "Catholic only" patrols to cover Catholic areas, but this was not acted upon.[26]. The Anglo-Irish treaty ended the war on 6 December 1921 and the Irish Free State was established in January 1922. WebA force of special constabulary was used in support of the RUC during the grave unrest which accompanied the establishment of Northern Ireland over the objections of the Roman Catholic minority in those counties. font-size: 12px; Posting here for interest. https://www.psni.police.uk/inside-psni/our-history/police-museum/. Formed as an auxiliary armed police force by the new Northern Irish government, the Ulster Specials in 1922 consisted of A fulltime, B parttime, C reserve with 5,500, 19,000, and 7,500 members respectively. In Dungannon, they killed one and wounded two. WebService in the Ulster Special Constabulary which was not counted for the award of the medal or bar, may be counted with service as a member of the RUC Reserve.