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Not Dad's Army - Northern Ireland's ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Guard

Chris Capper tells the story of the Ulster ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Guard, including why Catholics were deeply suspicious of it and did not join up.

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30 minutes

Last on

Thu 5 Mar 2015 19:30
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Ulster

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See all clips from Not Dad's Army - Northern Ireland's ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Guard (2)

Not Dad's Army

Northern Ireland had a ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Guard during the Second World War – but they were no Dad’s Army. Worried about the dangers of inadvertently training Irish Republicans, the authorities opted to place it under the command of the β€˜B’ Specials. They might have been viewed by Churchill as the only properly armed and disciplined force left to defend UK from a backdoor German invasion but Catholics were deeply suspicious of the Ulster outfit and didn't join up. Chris Capper tells the story of the controversial Ulster ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Guard.

ULSTER HOME GUARD TRAINING VIDEO

This clip taken from β€œThe Story of the Ulster ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Guard” in 1945 shows local volunteers training and preparing in the eventuality of a German invasion. Used with permission from the Public Records Office Northern Ireland.

RECRUITMENT VIDEO

Major General V.H.B Majendie, commanding officer for Northern Ireland, appeals for support for the Ulster ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Guard in this recruitment video from 1942.

Used with permission from the Police Museum of Northern Ireland.

Presenter:Μύ Chris Capper

Producer:Μύ Peter Coulter

Exec Producer:Μύ Adam Smyth

Μύ

Broadcasts

  • Sun 1 Mar 2015 12:30
    ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Foyle & ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Ulster
  • Thu 5 Mar 2015 19:30
    ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Ulster

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  • Stories in Sound

    Radio Ulster brings together radio documentaries from UK and Irish broadcasters.