A testimony to courage : the history of the Ulster Defence Regiment, 1969-1992

The outbreak of "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland in 1968 found many of the local police and army auxiliary units outmoded or discredited. A new and unique force of part-time soldiers was created: The Ulster Defence Regiment. A Testimony to Courage vividly describes the threat under which not just the soldiers but their families also had to live, and records the murders of some of the 197 members killed as a result of terrorist attack. It addresses how the Regiment became mainly Protestant as a result of the loss of Nationalist support and recruits, and the constant criticism of the Irish Government and Nationalist politicians. A final chapter records objectively the lessons to be learnt from this unique experience. This book is not an official history as such but more a thorough record of the UDR's dramatic 23 year existence. [Elib] The story of the British regiment created in Northern Ireland after the Troubles erupted in 1968, and the members who were killed amid the violence. The outbreak of “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland in 1968 found many of the local police and army auxiliary units outmoded or discredited. A new and unique force of part-time soldiers was created: The Ulster Defence Regiment. Drawing on roughly 125 interviews, A Testimony to Courage vividly describes the threat under which not just the soldiers but their families had to live, and records the murders of some of the 197 members killed as a result of terrorist attack. It addresses how the Regiment became mainly Protestant as a result of the loss of Nationalist support and recruits, and the constant criticism of the Irish government and Nationalist politicians. A final chapter records objectively the lessons to be learned from this unique experience. This book is not an official history, but a thorough record of the UDR's dramatic twenty-three-year existence and the experiences of its brave members. Content: Cover Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Preface Glossary 1 The Ulster Special Constabulary 2 The Formation of the Regiment 3 1970-1971 4 9 August -- 31 December 1971 Internment 5 1972 6 The Regiment and the Loyalist Paramilitaries 1972-1973 7 1973 8 Formation of the Women's UDR 9 1974 Ulster Workers' Council Strike 10 1975 The Cease-Fire 11 1976 ""The Way Ahead"" 12 1977 ""The Way Ahead"" Implemented and the UUAC Strike 13 1978-1979 14 1980-1981 Tenth Anniversary 15 1982-1984 16 1985-1986 The Regiment Under Pressure 17 1987-1989. 18 The Stevens Inquiry. 1989-199019 1991-1992: The Final Months 20 Conclusions Appendix A -- Roll of Honour Appendix B -- Welfare Bibliography Reference Notes Index.