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The Ulster Volunteers

• Message 1.Β 

  Posted by Grand Falcon Railroad (U3267675) on Saturday, 1st April 2006

  Hi all,
  
  If I'm right in my reading the original Ulster Volunteers were formed in 1911 by Sir Edward Carson as a "loyalist" armed militia to fend off GB troops that might have been about to enforce a 32 county independant Ireland on them and not "home-rule" within the union. However as history has shown the GB army had said to the government of the day that it couldn't guarentee the loyalty of the army re: any action against the UVF (of the day).
  
  However when WWI broke out and the regional/pals divisions were formed apparently according to my reading material Kitchener insisted the "Ulster Volunteers" were called up - this resulted in the 36th (Ulster) Division being formned and sent tothe Somme in 1916 - ultimately this force was loyal to the crown (after being seen as dangerous elements) and some three or four thousand Ulster volunteers were killed on the first day (I'm afraid I don't know hopw much of the divison survived).
  
  Does this mean the original UVF should be seen as "anti-union" for their opposition to what the government of the day wanted i.e. an independant Ireland in 1912 or "pro-union" because at the end of the day they went to the Somme and must have known what awaited them.
  
  When I visited Belfast it was obvious in certain quarters of the city that there was a strong regard for their sacrifice (and so there should be IMO) but I'd be interested to know what people think of the unit's original (and unoffcial) history.
  
  Also visited the tomb of Sir Edward Carson - felt in awe at that moment but thoughtful at the same time.
  
  I thought this post would be relevant due to the 90th anniversary of the Somme being this year - in fact on one mural this is prominent (and it wasn't sectarian in nature BTW - just a tribute to loyal men who gave their life to fight a greater threat).
  
  Thanks for the thoughts...

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