As a history of the Black and Tans in Ireland, this article aims to provide a comprehensive and detailed account of the infamous paramilitary force that was deployed in Ireland by the British government in the early 1920s. This is a topic that has recently made waves in England, as President Biden referred to the group in a speech during his visit to Ireland.

In this article, we will explore the origins of the Black and Tans, their actions during the Irish War of Independence, and the controversies that surround them to this day.

Origins of the Black and Tans

The Black and Tans were a paramilitary force that was formed in 1920 during the Irish War of Independence. They were recruited by the British government to supplement the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), which was unable to deal with the growing insurgency in Ireland. The name “Black and Tans” comes from the colors of the makeshift uniforms that the recruits were given, which were a mixture of RIC khaki and British army black.

The recruits were mostly ex-soldiers who had fought in World War I and were promised good pay and a sense of adventure. They were given minimal training and sent to Ireland, where they were tasked with suppressing the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and restoring order. However, their tactics were brutal, and they quickly gained a reputation for violence and indiscriminate attacks on civilians.

Actions of the Black and Tans during the Irish War of Independence

During the Irish War of Independence, the Black and Tans were responsible for a number of atrocities, including the burning of towns and villages, the killing of civilians, and the assassination of prominent Irish figures. They were particularly notorious for their use of reprisals, which involved retaliating against the civilian population for IRA attacks.

One of the most infamous incidents involving the Black and Tans were the burning of Cork City in December 1920. In retaliation for an IRA ambush that had killed several British officers, the Black and Tans went on a rampage, burning down large parts of the city and killing civilians.

Controversies surrounding the Black and Tans

The actions of the Black and Tans have been the subject of much controversy and debate over the years. Some argue that they were a necessary response to the insurgency in Ireland and that they prevented even worse violence from occurring. Others see them as a brutal and indiscriminate force that caused unnecessary suffering and contributed to the bitterness that still exists between Ireland and Britain to this day.

In recent years, there have been calls for the British government to apologize for the actions of the Black and Tans. However, these calls have been met with resistance from some quarters, who argue that the Black and Tans were simply doing their duty in a difficult and dangerous situation.

In conclusion, the Black and Tans were a paramilitary force that was deployed in Ireland during the Irish War of Independence. They were tasked with suppressing the IRA and restoring order, but their tactics were brutal and indiscriminate, and they quickly gained a reputation for violence and terror. The actions of the Black and Tans have been the subject of much controversy and debate over the years, and they remain a highly sensitive and divisive topic to this day.

Free Speech and Alternative Media are under attack by the Deep State. Real News Cast needs reader support to survive. 

Every dollar helps. Contributions help keep the site active and help support the author (and his medical bills)

Please Contribute via  GoGetFunding