The lasting image of the Black and Tans as brutal thugs derives from their outrageous behavior, which was anything but conducive to the restoration of law and order in Ireland. Their tendency to engage in the wanton destruction of property, indiscriminate shooting and violence and, on occasions, even deliberate murder, led to their being Public Enemy No. 1 in Ireland. Indeed the War of Independence is also known as The Tan War. This lecture will look at the worst of the atrocities committed by this paramilitary organisation, and the Auxiliaries, as well as Michael Collins's campaign against them.
This is the third lecture in our War of Independence Centenary Series with Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Stack.