All’s Fair in…

This newsreel shows a hostage being taken to the back of a Military patrol lorry where we see a group of soldiers (Black and Tans) stopping to pose for the camera.

The Black and Tans, officially named the Royal Irish Constabulary Special Reserve, was a force of Temporary Constables recruited to assist the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) during the Irish War of Independence. The force was the brainchild of Winston Churchill, then British Secretary of State for War. Recruitment began in Great Britain in late 1919 with many of them being British Army veterans of World War I. Their role was to help the RIC maintain control and fight the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The nickname ‘Black and Tans’ arose from the colours of the improvised uniforms they initially wore. The Black and Tans became infamous for their attacks on Irish civilians and civilian property.