An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir May 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie 24 | For more information on Paul O'Brien and his books see: www.paulobrienauthor.ie or email him on info@paulobrienauthor.ie Havoc: e Auxiliaries in Ireland's War of Independence by answering the following question: What year did Ireland's War of Independence start? Send your answer along with your name, address & phone number to subs@military.ie by the 19th May 2017. The latest work from military historian, author and regular contributor to An Cosantóir, Paul O'Brien, is a detailed look at one of the most feared and reviled units to fight in Ireland during the War of Independence; the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary. With the escalation of violence in early 1920, the British government were forced to bolster its police force with the recruitment of new personnel who became known as the Black and Tans. However, this was not enough to curb the insurgency which was spreading throughout the country. In July 1920 a new force, comprised of former soldiers, were formed and given the title, Auxiliaries. Trained for swift, surgical assaults and sent into a war zone with little or no understanding of the conflict or the locals, the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary found themselves fighting for their lives in a counter-insurgency campaign that left a lasting legacy in Ireland which is still evident today. Similar books on this period look at the well known personalities or list names of partici- pants, but O'Brien's work takes the reader out on patrol. Ambushes, counter ambushes, intelligence gathering, Black Ops, and interrogations are just some of the daily scenarios experienced by the Auxiliaries. Violence and killing are an every day occurrence, and stay- ing alive and completing your tour of duty is uppermost on everyone's mind. The author examines the unit and looks at them as an early form of Special Forces. Formed at the suggestion of Winston Churchill, known for his support for such specialists, some con- sider the Auxiliaries the world's first anti-terrorist unit while others see them as forerunners of the SAS or the Commandos. O'Brien provides a balanced account of their origins and operations without glossing over the brutal details of fighting a counter-insurgency campaign. Controversial from the outset, this is an excellent read and one that will take you back in time to the havoc, which was the Irish War of Independence. WF Published by Collins Press (April 2017) www.collinspress.ie - ISBN: 978-1848893061 Pages: 224 - Price: €19.99 Havoc: The Auxiliaries in Ireland's War of Independence Win a signed copy of Paul O'Brien's latest book: €19.99 Photographic Competition AN COSANTÓIR THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE D e f e n c e F o r c e s e Competition is open to all readers of the An Cosantóir, both civilian and military. Terms and Conditions apply Photographs must be Military Related Competition will run from: February to October (incl). Prizes:- 1st €300 Voucher, 2nd: €200 Voucher, 3rd: €100 Voucher Entry Form and T&C available on www.dfmagazine.ie Competition Sponsors Unit 18, South Link Park, Frankfield, Co. Cork Tel: +353 (0)21 4319766

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