The Black & Tans 1920-1921: A Complete Alphabetical List, Short History and Genealogical Guide

by Jim Herlihy

In the midst of the Irish War of Independence the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) began, in early 1920, to recruit beyond Ireland. This was necessary, because IRA attacks and resignations from the RIC had led to a depleted force at a time of conflict on Irish soil. Over the following 18 months thousands of candidates were recruited to the RIC. In the light of the initial uniform shortages, the recruits were given khaki trousers and green tunics, or vice versa – along with the accompanying nickname, ‘the Black and Tans’ (a name that would stick even once the official uniforms were sorted).

The book lists every individual recruit from this period – those who joined the RIC Special Reserve, the ‘temporary constables’ and the Veterans and Drivers Division. For each person, the entry includes such details as: surname, forename, registered number, birth year, native county, native country, recruiting office, army service, previous occupation, marital status, remarks, religion, result. While most of the entry details are self-explanatory, ‘remarks’ are not included for all people, but might state clues such as ‘To better his position’ or ‘Family troubles’. ‘Result’ meanwhile gives the end of service details, such as died, disbanded, dismissed, resigned.

Including as it does a history of the organisation, photographs of uniformed men (which may help you identify an ancestor similarly clothed) and an explanation of how to trace someone who served as a Black and Tan, it is an extremely thorough and useful guide.

• Published by Four Courts Press (paperback) €45. ISBN: 9781846829604. HT