After the initial stages of this terrorist campaign, the Regiment was deployed at a time of crisis. A reorganisation of intelligence led to the creation of an exceptional organisation, led by RUC Special Branch. This group combined Police and Army intelligence, surveillance and tactical units. In managing the Northern Ireland conflict, security forces adopted a strategy to “hold the ring” — limiting sectarian violence to an “acceptable level” that would allow political solutions to emerge while maintaining public safety.
Those who now sit in comfortable offices … seem to have forgotten the savage reality of that era
While the RUC and Army provided a permanent presence on the streets, exceptional intelligence became the key to defeating the IRA. The level of intelligence reached a point where lives were repeatedly saved by indirect action that deterred lethal operations, such as bombings, shootings, kidnapping and executions.
Yet today, there is a collective institutional amnesia in Government. Those who now sit in comfortable offices, passing judgment on past operations, seem to have forgotten the savage reality of that era and the price paid to achieve peace.
The Police and Army operational grouping defeated the IRA leading directly to the Good Friday Agreement. Without this element of the campaign, peace would not have been achieved.
As part of the campaign the SAS, because of its experience and capabilities, drew the hardest task — apprehending armed terrorists when the intelligence indicated a major attack. Not acting meant that terrorists were left free to strike. Any actions had ministerial approval at the highest level. The decision to go ahead with each operation also had to be sanctioned by the Chief Constable and the General Officer Commanding in Northern Ireland. All operations were conducted within the UK laws at the time, as well as clear Rules of Engagement. In addition, all incidents involving a shooting were subject to full Scenes of Crime treatment, forensics and witness statements prior to a Coroner’s Inquiry, in the event of a death.
It is worth remembering the nature of these operations. Current inquiries into incidents demonstrate a naivety as to the realities of such endeavours, including expectations that intelligence would be complete and definitive. Often, there would be an indicator of a planned terrorist operation. However, much of the what, when, where, and how — especially the latter — were frequently unknown. On the ground, a small team was tasked to apprehend armed terrorists, often in the dark, in chaotic and fast-changing circumstances. There was always a direct threat to soldier’s lives. Always. These professional, committed and experienced soldiers were willing to undertake these operations and face the risks, because they believed they were defending British lives and freedoms.
Having directly contributed to the defeat of the IRA murderous campaign for political and financial gain, veterans now find themselves prosecuted by their former employer, the Government they served and trusted. Meanwhile, terrorists have been absolved of their crimes and set free — some even compensated. These relentless prosecutions target individuals repeatedly, as profit-driven lawyers circle back to old cases with dubious new “evidence”. Veterans today find themselves trapped in an endless cycle of legal harassment. Far beyond mere vexatious litigation, these actions inflict deep emotional wounds on veterans and their families — people who should be enjoying their hard-earned retirement in peace. Bear in mind, too, all the soldiers were cleared at the time in a Coroner’s Court. The continued persecution of veterans is inexplicable — in fact, bewildering. Try explaining this idiocy to the uninitiated, let alone any rational person. How has a government has let this happen?
