All I want to do is please everybody
Letters shed new light on IRA battle in 1920s Derry
NEWLY-RESTORED letters from the Irish War of Independence have unearthed a detailed description of a battle in Derry.
Dated July 18, 1920, the correspondence notes that for several weeks civilians, backed by police, had been firing into Republican areas.
“Five or six” people were killed as tensions came to a head on a Saturday night before a party of IRA volunteers from the Derry City Battalion were sent to Long Tower street in the city to protect “lives and property”.
The letter reads: “On Monday morning shooting throughout the city became more general and at least six people killed attempting to get to work, many others were injured.”
As more IRA volunteer units were ordered, the letter states “strict orders were given to protect lives of citizens irrespective of religion”.
The letter claims the Royal Irish
Archivist Cecile Gordon Constabulary, who were stationed at the Diamond, were “firing into nationalist areas without any justification”.
The mobilised IRA unit attacked and forced police into the courthouse on Bishop Street, two RIC officers were wounded and firearms were recovered.
The Derry letters are part of the Brigade Activity Reports launched by Irish minister Paul Kehoe yesterday and represent the most anticipated file series within the Military Service Pension Collection.