"The Troubles" in Northern Ireland.
Background of the Troubles:
The Troubles began in the late 1960s and were a violent, three-decade conflict centred around the constitutional status of Northern Ireland. The conflict primarily involved the nationalist/republican community, who were mostly Catholic and wanted Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom and join a united Ireland, and the unionist/loyalist community, who were mostly Protestant and wanted to remain part of the UK.
The Political Ground
The period from September 1969 to June 1970 was a pivotal time in the early years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. It was marked by escalating violence and significant political developments. Here is a timeline of key events during this period:
September 1969: Deployment of British Troops:
British troops had been deployed to Northern Ireland in August 1969 in response to growing violence. By September, the troops were increasingly involved in attempting to maintain order.
October 1969: Formation of the Hunt Committee:
The British government established the Hunt Committee to investigate the policing in Northern Ireland, leading to a recommendation for the disbandment of the Ulster Special Constabulary (B Specials) and the disarming of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).
December 1969: Split in the IRA:
The Irish Republican Army experienced a split, leading to the creation of the Provisional IRA (PIRA) and the Official IRA. The split was largely over differences in strategy and ideology, with the PIRA adopting a more militant stance.
January 1970: Formation of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP):
The SDLP was founded in August but formally organised in January. It was a significant political party representing the nationalist community, advocating for civil rights and opposing violence.
March 1970: Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) Formation:
The British government created the UDR, a locally recruited infantry regiment of the British Army, to replace the disbanded B Specials and assist in maintaining order.
During this period, the rising tensions and violence set the stage for further escalations in the early 1970s, as both political and paramilitary organisations solidified their roles in the conflict. The events and decisions made during these months had long-lasting impacts on the trajectory of the Troubles.
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Long John Joined: Jan-16-2016 |
Reflecting on my written works, I see they encapsulate my experiences in the British Army from 1970 to 1996. My service took me to various global locations, from Northern Ireland during the Troubles to Belize and the Swiss Mountains. I also trained with the American Marines in Florida. Each deployment, including a challenging six-month world cruise, tested and strengthened my resilience.
Raised in Nottinghamshire, I found comfort in the simplicity of my temporary homes during service, from tents to holes in the ground. My writings represent the camaraderie, friendships, and darker realities of conflict I experienced. They honour my fellow soldiers and their supportive families, offering a glimpse into a soldier's life.
These stories and poems are my way of making sense of my experiences, and although my service has ended, they serve as a lasting legacy of sacrifice and resilience.
