An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 33 were immediately deployed to areas of considerable insurgent activity in counties Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork and Galway. In total there were to be 21 companies, each numbering between forty to 80 temporary cadets, organized along military lines, and deployed as an elite body to seek out and eliminate the IRA. Realising that IRA intelligence had infiltrated the police, the ADRIC established their own intelligence units to gather informa- tion on republican operatives. Utilising their military skills, they began a violent counter-insurgency campaign with raids on IRA safe houses and the lifting of suspects. Their aggressive tactics alienated the population and their actions and techniques were often questioned in the House of Commons, bringing condemna- tion from both sides of the House. The insurgents hit back with ambushes against ADRIC patrols and the assassination of cadets, both on and off duty. An attack on a motorised ADRIC unit at Kilmichael, County Cork, by Tom Barry and his Flying Column resulted in the annihilation of the patrol. Retaliation by Crown forces for such attacks was brutal, with the houses of locals being destroyed and the destruction of local industrial and agricultural infrastructure, which was, in many cases, sanctioned by the authorities. The very nature of counter-insurgency warfare found the ADRIC operating in a hostile environment with little or no support from the local population, who referred to them as 'the Auxies'. The pressures of operating under such austere conditions often re- sulted in Auxiliary units taking out their frustrations on the local populace, as can be seen with the burning of Cork City after an IRA ambush in the vicinity. The force was involved in numerous operations throughout the country and was also accused of conducting black operations resulting in the killing of high-value targets. Two companies of Auxiliaries responded to the IRA's major at- tack on the Custom House, Dublin, in May 1921. A fierce gun battle commenced and the building caught fire. The IRA force tried to shoot its way out, with some being killed. In the aftermath of the operation over 100 members of the IRA were arrested and impris- oned, leading to a shortage of trained and experienced volunteers to continue the fight against the British in the capital. Although smaller operations continued to take place, the British authorities in Ireland believed that the republican campaign was nearing an end as the lack of experienced manpower, weapons and munitions was having a detrimental ef fect on the organisation. Initial talks between the two sides resulted in a ceasefire and later to the peace talks that gave Ireland its 'Free State' status. One of the conditions for the cessation of hostilities was that the recruitment of cadets into the Auxiliary Division of the RIC would cease and operations would be suspended. The British government agreed and the force was disbanded in early 1922, with many officers looking to Palestine and its new gendarmerie for further employment and adventure. Special Forces can be defined as groups that conduct military operations using specially selected, trained and equipped person- nel, employing unconventional tactics, techniques and modes of operation. During World War Two Winston Churchill requested 'specially trained troops of the hunter class, who can develop a reign of terror down the enemy coast.' The resulting Royal Marine Commandos are considered by many to be the prototype for modern Special Forces. However, the Auxiliaries, formed after an earlier request by Churchill in 1920, have a valid claim to be con- sidered the 20th Century's first Special Forces unit. aBout the author: Paul O'Brien is a military historian who works for the Office of Public works at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. A regu- lar contributor to An Cosantóir he is also the author of ten books, and has written extensively on the military strategy of the 1916 Rising as well as the British Army in Ireland. His latest book Havoc: The Auxiliaries in Ireland's War of Indepen- dence is reviewed on page 37. Two of his books, Blood on the Streets and Crossfire, were turned into the critically acclaimed drama-documentary A Terrible Beauty. He lives in Santry, Dublin with his wife Marian and daugh- ter Bláthnaid and their two cats. 'Q' Coy and other Auxiliaries pose for photos after the attack on their base at the London and North Western Railway Hotel, Dublin, 11th April 1921. (National Library of Ireland) The funeral cortege of one of the victims of Michael Collins's squad on its way to Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, 26th November 1920. T/Cadets form an escort while other police officers form guard of honour. (Ernest McCall) Depot Commandant Auxiliaries Division Adjutant WF Martinson, CO 'L' Coy ADRIC, in April 1921. (R Porter Collection)

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