TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 16:20 Stats & Facts on The South Armagh IRA 21:45 Thomas “Slab” Murphy & the Murphy family 43:00 1970’s 1:03:50 Informers 1:07:50 Sectarian m*rders 1:10:00 THE SAS (1976) 1:15:14 WARRENPOINT 1:28:00 Glasdrumann scrapyard counter-ambush 1:33:30 Libya and Gaddafi 1:42:05 Richard Johnson & the American connection 1:50:45 Anti-Helicopter War 2:00:00 “SNIPER AT WORK” (1990’s) 2:22:25 1990’s actions
Well done John, your interviews with members of all types of British Forces, especially those based South Armagh are so well thought out. You definitely know your stuff. The fact the people you're listening to seem so open about their experiences in South Armagh, plus the way they also hold the South Armagh, specifically in relation to the Narrowater bombings and the incident at Mullaghmore on the same day in such high regard (After the fact) I look forward to seeing and hearing your other interviews with whoever can share their thoughts on incidents they're now able to discuss freely. Intriguing to watch and listen to.
A friend of mines father-in-law was stationed in cross RUC Barracks for years. He has read all the troubles related books unsaid most of them were grossly inaccurate apart from Bandit Country he said that was spot on.
@moonpig16 despite what any anti English and British republican propaganda might say, there where many good decent and honest a man and woman in the RUC. They knew who the ira men where and their movements. Interesting the anti English attitudes of some Irish people. It's all fake or ill educated. In the 1600s the Irish sided WITH THE ENGLISH CROWN against men from Ulster and Scotland, Holland and Denmark, Sweden and French huegnots amongst other soldiers and men for freedom. Now isn't that interesting. Anti English when it suits. The latter group of course defeating the Irish and the English crown which begs the question, who are the real rebels? I mean the Irish of today are happy to be under full EU rule, complying with absolutely everything and selling the soul of the nation and taking in on mass thousands of illegal unvetted men giving them beds, heating and food for free. I guess it's easily done with a history and cause like irish republicanism built on false pretenses, myths, blind hatred, sectarianism, racism, bigotry and misogyny.
I would like to know if any of the men who fought our country believe we are being invaded again by a different enemy this time in 2024?? And if so what should we do about it?
Most people I see in Sligo are Nigerian or Middle Eastern these days. I cross the border to NI and see barely any illegal immigrants or asylum seekers. It's a weird contrast. No wars in Nigeria - safe country, just a shit hole - so basically they're economic migrants who come here to sponge the welfare system. People literally can't get a house, children can't get school places, college students homeless, prospective teachers leaving the country because they can't find a house. Meanwhile you have these people coming here and overburdening the healthcare system and basically lowering the quality of life for everyone else in the country. Say what you want about the Scots and English but they came here legally with permission of the ruling crown (morally dubious though that was), and at least they have transferable skills that extend beyond procreating and opening cash only rat infested takeaways and vape shops.
That's a good question. I know nothing about republicanism and so am a little confused on the SF stance in the south. Are SF wanting the immigration and all that goes with it? I've lived in Scotland last 20 years and so am completely out of touch but I'm really struggling to understand why SF would welcome the mass influx of unidentified illegal immigrants.
@@teddyamok Leo Varsdkar was trained W.H.O /Mi5, to sievert the Irish parliament and the remaining 26 countries, he is all so the CEO of merderna the company that made the vaccine of covert 19, that’s why he resigned, plus Drue Harris had a life time oth to the Queen (MI5)- it’s all in the deputy commissioner Marie McMahon report that has been suppressed by UA-cam if you can find it , it will tell you all you need to know, it came out on the 20th of march this year we all heard it but it wiped from UA-cam months all my friend
The place where the 18 British soldiers were killed in 2 bombs at narrow water is only 3.5 miles from my house & the RUC station in Newry where 9 nine police officers were killed (plus 40 injured) in a mortar attack is also only 3.5 miles from my house.
I bought the book few days ago after listening to the interview. It is so far a really good read and added to my collection of books on the conflict. Makes me wonder exactly how much weaponry the PIRA still have control over? No way they didn't keep enough for a new campaign if required?
@@aidanodea3869 Do you mean first edition as when i came out in the 90's? It is one book i had wanted for years but it was people charging silly amounts for a used copy that put me off. I bought the paperback copy from Amazon and it is decent quality. Seems pretty much same quality as most of my books.
@ I think so yes. Why would they surrender all their weapons when a UI has still not happened? The weapons used by the PIRA in the Short Strand a few years ago were brand new weapons. That was the incident that happened after Jock Davidson was taken out in the markets area. Plus the PIRA need weapons to defend themselves against any dissidents so forth. Would be foolish to give them all up.
To the interviewer: who was your grandad who fought in Cork in Tan War? What brigade in Cork was he OC ? Ive read most of the books published and am just interested. Would love to see an indept study of crossbarry engagement. There are a few out there ( Guerilla days etc) . Its probably worth a couple of chapters on its own
With the nationalists in charge in Stormomt which would have been unthinkable 20 years ago. The butchers apron doesn't fly over Stormont every day, the Irish language act has been passed and rightly so seeing as it's the original dialect of this island. Good man yourself 😂@@ZeusMyhero
Slab and the Murphy's were engaged in all sorts of shitte before the troubles. And without doubt slab and the families motivation above anything was how they could use the situation to make money for themselves. There were plenty of photos of slab. In the early 80's I took photos of him when out on an op. There was more shoots and sniping in the 70's and 80's than thje 90's We got involved in a shoot, the ops officer of the unit I was attached to literally stood on a provo. We were a three brick multiple. They were trying to setup on our guys. But totally missed our brick and the ops officer literally stood on him, fell over, the provo whipped around while still on the deck, got a shot off and hit the ops officer in the ear. 3 of them jumped up and set off running. We got some shots off, and were screamed at to stop. Because even though one was definitely still armed. The RUC officer screeched they were no longer a threat so we had to stop. we chased after them and caught one. He literally SHIT himself when we put a sack over his head. He thought we were going to nut him. He squealed and begged us not to do him. We put bags on his hands and waited for the chopper. The loadmaster on the chopper that came in with RUC guys to lift him head butted him. We followed a blood trail to slabs farm and there was an incident with. 40 commando qrf. They ended up fighting with Slabs brother and son and some others, The RUC turned a blind eye. When Brendan Moley was released from Jail, he shaved his beard off, so we did a farmers daughter so we could get pictures of him. His mother used a video camera to film us all. And of course some of our guys mooned at her it was funny as feck. I chased him all around the place and eventually got his photograph. I ended up on the front page of An Phoblact. Operation Wotan. There is a story to tell about that operation. There is an absolutely horrendous story about 2 ruc officers that were killed while driving a vehicle after coming out of FKL. I was there that day and it has fecked my head what happened to them. They should never have been killed they should never ever have been on that road driving. A terrible tragic story but their loss saved many lives and it will never be known how many innocent people are alive today because of their sacrifice.
Served in south Armagh in 88..89 ... Crossmaglen, barruki Sanger, Newry, fork Hill, Bessbrook, golf observation posts etc .as well as urban and rural patrols .. still think of the places now .... very scary place ...18 Yr old ... memories .......
One of many places around the world from Ralpindi to Northern Kenya, wild, rough places but resistance to foreign rule but also anti any outside interference…..
I wonder if Brandon Houghes was the one that said something about the safe houses in Belfast that came from the land agent that the dark cought onto that was later killed
Joe was also executed before Brendan could interrogate him himself, scap probably hurried his meeting with his maker knowing now he was touting himself
Fenton was sacrificed by the British....yet another sacrifice and individual killed in their sick and twisted counter-insurgency strategy. Special Branch knew Fenton was going to be killed by Internal Security (even Harry Burns couldnt save his mate) and they allowed it to happen. British agents masquerading as PIRA members involved in killing other agents. Hence why when at the European Court Of Human Rights, the Brits always turn up mob handed with a shit tonne of legal backup, as they know they dont want their secrets getting spilled out into the open too often.
Would be interesting to hear your recommendations on any movies based on the war in Ireland for us learning to check out , anyway thanks for the podcast take care
This is the best one yet. I remember during the troubles and coming back from a music festival in the South. We stopped off in Crossmaglen for food and I will never forget the reception. Everyone was staring at us, or rather dirty looks. The person serving us asked a lot of questions before deciding to return with the food. Couldn't wait to leave.
As a Southerner I'm curious what South Armagh thought of Adams/ McGuinness. I get the impression they trusted McGuinness but were a bit weary of Adams.
@@Barrysmith567 Could you be a little more vague ! Which people, name names. Is it cause he sued for peace ?? How do you know Slab wasn't an informer. Maybe you're an agent sowing discord.
Can anyone explain how we can trust the testimony of "Major M" or "Volunteer G" or "Constable B" etc. ? Like does Toby know who it is? How do we know he isnt just making these people, and consequently their claims up?
Darky Hughes called the GFA Got Fuck All. And he was wrong. N. Ireland now has a semblance of peace after 40 years of fighting a 'war' the nationalists simply could not win.
Brendan Hughes died a bitter man and bitter at one man inparticular: Gerry Adams. His former c/o now a politician, who famously said the ira would drive the British into the Irish sea. Really? Oh that's right, the rebels unconditionally surrendered, mmm.
I have read the book and watched about 90 mins of this podcast so far. As I would describe myself as Unionist and British I would never have taken the south armagh brigade for granted likewise East Tyrone. They were successful in controlling the ground from the British Army and RUC, but in the end lost the battle and probably the war, primarily through politics. Whilst they didnt agree with what was settled for in 1998 as a defeated IRA, they moved on and thankfully its over for now.
They weren't defeated and they haven't gone away, but I can see how from your perspective you would like to think this. As soon as they started bombing London's financial district the British government realised that they would have to talk to these guys with a view to ending it. In fact, if you do some research you'll find that the British were talking to the Republicans way back in the 1980's. Fact is, and I know it's hard for Unionists to swallow, if the British could have got rid of Northern Ireland in the 1980's they would have. It cost them a fortune to secure and maintain and it was of no strategic or military value. I think Unionists are their own worst enemies sometimes, but I don't wish you any ill will. As you said, thankfully it's over for now.
@RayVothney I agree with you that Unionists are their own worst enemy. It's not a hard pill to swallow and I have done quite a bit of research, reading documentary watching etc in the last few years. It's not just my perspective but off others particularly those on the Republican side who I agree they lost. It's fact, they signed upto to a continuing Northern Ireland administering British rule. The British Army and Police didn't surrender their guns the IRA did.
@@g9604 Irish Times Fri Jul 06 2007 - 01:00 An internal British army document examining its role in Northern Ireland during the Troubles concludes that while it did not defeat the IRA, it achieved an "end-state" which allowed a political process to be established. The 98-page analysis of Operation Banner, the army's code name for its activities in the North, describes the Provisional IRA as "professional, dedicated, highly skilled and resilient" and one of the most effective terrorist organisations in history. While the loyalist paramilitaries presented themselves as the protectors of the Protestant community, it said, they were in practice often little more than a "collection of gangsters". But the study, which covers the period between 1968 and 2005, makes no mention of alleged British army collusion with loyalist paramilitaries. - You don't have to agree with me, but that excert is apparently from a British Army document
@@g9604 Looks like my posts are being removed, what a surprise. Anyway I posted an excert from an article that is easily searchable called: "British army report says it did not defeat IRA" - Prominent and respected Irish Newspaper. See for yourself.
Not sectarian? At the start of the Troubles the protestant population of south Armagh was around 3000. It went down to around 800. A lot of those families moved into mid Armagh and south east Tyrone.
The 6 counties is sectarian by it's very creation. Or have you conveniently forgot that point because it doesnt fit the narrative you're trotting out? Ulster is 9 counties. It was deliberately reduced to 6 in order for the British state to be able to control the population not particularly keen on swearing allegiance to the butchers apron. So, by its very essence, it's a sectarian entity. South Armagh Brigade had a good record of not deliberately attacking civilians or killing civilians in botched operations. The facts are there for all to see. Unless you wish to deny that point aswell. Many Republican and Catholic families had to move elsewhere or flee south due to intimidation and violence from loyalists.
And Omagh, loughgall, la mon, Eniskillen , Belfast, narrow water, Kingsmill, Shankill road and many many other innocent men, women and children who fell victim to IRA terrorist aggression .
Nope the CIA supplied stingers to the early version of the Taliban and they were taking the hind D gunships down with the stingers that were supplied to them,
As someone else has already stated, the SAS always hid. The original point is baffling so off the mark that it doesnt bare any resemblance to the actual reality of warfare 🤫. Who stands up in a field and says "Here i am, shoot at me"??? I suppose you also class the wearing of camouflage clothing as "cheating" do you? 🙄🤪 Hell, even the British army held/hold a begrudging respect for the volunteers in the South Armagh Brigade. They may have hated them, but they respected them and their abilities. The occupying Brit army said that the Brigade werent cowards in the slightest and had excellent fieldcraft.
Crossmaglen.... The Ghost Town...we called it ... especially wen we walked past the cemetery and the words ... royal marines graveyard painted on it ... very eeerie
I was young at 18 in londonderry as a spotter, I worked with certain units, but how did billy get shot in a maximum security prison when Blair took over and your mates got to sent afagastarn in the shit wagons
I was a republican in the early 90s and I believe so, don’t mind immigration but when it’s so high that the numbers cannot integrate even if they wanted to……any change in demographics that occurs that quickly is a portent for trouble……SF can dress the Long War as armed Civil Rights or Equality or whatever but we all know that at base it about identity and nationality………
Correct Rae, it was an ethnoreligious conflict and the revisionist fairytale spun by sf is silly. The issue with integration is also a fantasy. Irish are now directly racially discriminated against by their own state. A sorry sorry mess
The border was the problem The ira could slip.over into eire Whereas the security forces couldnt Due to political.pressure Different scenario in 1649 when cromwell not impeded By politicians could! News travelled slow in those days!
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
16:20 Stats & Facts on The South Armagh IRA
21:45 Thomas “Slab” Murphy & the Murphy family
43:00 1970’s
1:03:50 Informers
1:07:50 Sectarian m*rders
1:10:00 THE SAS (1976)
1:15:14 WARRENPOINT
1:28:00 Glasdrumann scrapyard counter-ambush
1:33:30 Libya and Gaddafi
1:42:05 Richard Johnson & the American connection
1:50:45 Anti-Helicopter War
2:00:00 “SNIPER AT WORK” (1990’s)
2:22:25 1990’s actions
Well done John, your interviews with members of all types of British Forces, especially those based South Armagh are so well thought out. You definitely know your stuff. The fact the people you're listening to seem so open about their experiences in South Armagh, plus the way they also hold the South Armagh, specifically in relation to the Narrowater bombings and the incident at Mullaghmore on the same day in such high regard (After the fact) I look forward to seeing and hearing your other interviews with whoever can share their thoughts on incidents they're now able to discuss freely. Intriguing to watch and listen to.
Another great interview. The interviewer really knows his stuff and allows the guest to do the most of the talking, keep them coming please
Hence, The Good Listener!
Wise up . The interviewer recently said he seems to remember some sort significance about July 12th . I near pissed myself laughing. REALLY ???
Tiocfadh ar la
A friend of mines father-in-law was stationed in cross RUC Barracks for years. He has read all the troubles related books unsaid most of them were grossly inaccurate apart from Bandit Country he said that was spot on.
Grossly inaccurate? Why should anyone care what someone working in or for the RUC would have to say.
Good book
@moonpig16 despite what any anti English and British republican propaganda might say, there where many good decent and honest a man and woman in the RUC. They knew who the ira men where and their movements.
Interesting the anti English attitudes of some Irish people. It's all fake or ill educated. In the 1600s the Irish sided WITH THE ENGLISH CROWN against men from Ulster and Scotland, Holland and Denmark, Sweden and French huegnots amongst other soldiers and men for freedom. Now isn't that interesting. Anti English when it suits. The latter group of course defeating the Irish and the English crown which begs the question, who are the real rebels? I mean the Irish of today are happy to be under full EU rule, complying with absolutely everything and selling the soul of the nation and taking in on mass thousands of illegal unvetted men giving them beds, heating and food for free. I guess it's easily done with a history and cause like irish republicanism built on false pretenses, myths, blind hatred, sectarianism, racism, bigotry and misogyny.
You made them your friends?
A buddy of mine from N.I. was in the Royal Irish Rangers from 1970 until he retired. He turned me on to this book, which I just purchased.
Great stuff. Thanks for bringing it all together.🇮🇪✌️
John that was excellent & your own personal knowledge helped it in a big way. Keep 'er Lit.
Another brilliant episode- thanks so much! Read Bandit Country in the early 2000s - fantastic book, reads like a thriller but all factual.
Really good episode. The book is of a high calibre amongst those of the period. Really recommend it. Good use of facts / details by the host.
I would like to know if any of the men who fought our country believe we are being invaded again by a different enemy this time in 2024?? And if so what should we do about it?
Ask them politely to leave lol 😂
@@Damiansweldingshortz I would but they don’t speak English
Most people I see in Sligo are Nigerian or Middle Eastern these days. I cross the border to NI and see barely any illegal immigrants or asylum seekers. It's a weird contrast. No wars in Nigeria - safe country, just a shit hole - so basically they're economic migrants who come here to sponge the welfare system. People literally can't get a house, children can't get school places, college students homeless, prospective teachers leaving the country because they can't find a house. Meanwhile you have these people coming here and overburdening the healthcare system and basically lowering the quality of life for everyone else in the country. Say what you want about the Scots and English but they came here legally with permission of the ruling crown (morally dubious though that was), and at least they have transferable skills that extend beyond procreating and opening cash only rat infested takeaways and vape shops.
That's a good question. I know nothing about republicanism and so am a little confused on the SF stance in the south.
Are SF wanting the immigration and all that goes with it?
I've lived in Scotland last 20 years and so am completely out of touch but I'm really struggling to understand why SF would welcome the mass influx of unidentified illegal immigrants.
@@teddyamok Leo Varsdkar was trained W.H.O /Mi5, to sievert the Irish parliament and the remaining 26 countries, he is all so the CEO of merderna the company that made the vaccine of covert 19, that’s why he resigned, plus Drue Harris had a life time oth to the Queen (MI5)- it’s all in the deputy commissioner Marie McMahon report that has been suppressed by UA-cam if you can find it , it will tell you all you need to know, it came out on the 20th of march this year we all heard it but it wiped from UA-cam months all my friend
Bought bandit country when it was released. That slab Murphy was something else
The place where the 18 British soldiers were killed in 2 bombs at narrow water is only 3.5 miles from my house & the RUC station in Newry where 9 nine police officers were killed (plus 40 injured) in a mortar attack is also only 3.5 miles from my house.
I bought the book few days ago after listening to the interview. It is so far a really good read and added to my collection of books on the conflict. Makes me wonder exactly how much weaponry the PIRA still have control over? No way they didn't keep enough for a new campaign if required?
I bought one of the first edition, fell apart on me too. Poor quality.
@@aidanodea3869 Do you mean first edition as when i came out in the 90's? It is one book i had wanted for years but it was people charging silly amounts for a used copy that put me off. I bought the paperback copy from Amazon and it is decent quality. Seems pretty much same quality as most of my books.
Iv read the book also. Not watched all this podcast yet. Are you assuming they kept weapons for a potential future conflict?
@ I think so yes. Why would they surrender all their weapons when a UI has still not happened? The weapons used by the PIRA in the Short Strand a few years ago were brand new weapons. That was the incident that happened after Jock Davidson was taken out in the markets area. Plus the PIRA need weapons to defend themselves against any dissidents so forth. Would be foolish to give them all up.
To the interviewer: who was your grandad who fought in Cork in Tan War? What brigade in Cork was he OC ?
Ive read most of the books published and am just interested.
Would love to see an indept study of crossbarry engagement.
There are a few out there ( Guerilla days etc) . Its probably worth a couple of chapters on its own
Great book this. Read it approximately 20 years ago.
Graffiti on the wall was "13 gone not forgotten we got 18 and Mountbatten"
What good did that do you, you are still being ruled by the British
@@jameslarkin8494 that may be so, but the writing on the wall is the truth
The #Yank air force own Shannon . ✈ ✈
With the nationalists in charge in Stormomt which would have been unthinkable 20 years ago. The butchers apron doesn't fly over Stormont every day, the Irish language act has been passed and rightly so seeing as it's the original dialect of this island.
Good man yourself 😂@@ZeusMyhero
🤡
Mental health assessment 👍
Slab and the Murphy's were engaged in all sorts of shitte before the troubles. And without doubt slab and the families motivation above anything was how they could use the situation to make money for themselves.
There were plenty of photos of slab. In the early 80's I took photos of him when out on an op. There was more shoots and sniping in the 70's and 80's than thje 90's
We got involved in a shoot, the ops officer of the unit I was attached to literally stood on a provo. We were a three brick multiple. They were trying to setup on our guys. But totally missed our brick and the ops officer literally stood on him, fell over, the provo whipped around while still on the deck, got a shot off and hit the ops officer in the ear.
3 of them jumped up and set off running. We got some shots off, and were screamed at to stop. Because even though one was definitely still armed. The RUC officer screeched they were no longer a threat so we had to stop. we chased after them and caught one. He literally SHIT himself when we put a sack over his head. He thought we were going to nut him. He squealed and begged us not to do him. We put bags on his hands and waited for the chopper.
The loadmaster on the chopper that came in with RUC guys to lift him head butted him. We followed a blood trail to slabs farm and there was an incident with. 40 commando qrf. They ended up fighting with Slabs brother and son and some others, The RUC turned a blind eye.
When Brendan Moley was released from Jail, he shaved his beard off, so we did a farmers daughter so we could get pictures of him. His mother used a video camera to film us all. And of course some of our guys mooned at her it was funny as feck.
I chased him all around the place and eventually got his photograph. I ended up on the front page of An Phoblact.
Operation Wotan. There is a story to tell about that operation.
There is an absolutely horrendous story about 2 ruc officers that were killed while driving a vehicle after coming out of FKL. I was there that day and it has fecked my head what happened to them. They should never have been killed they should never ever have been on that road driving. A terrible tragic story but their loss saved many lives and it will never be known how many innocent people are alive today because of their sacrifice.
Served in south Armagh in 88..89 ... Crossmaglen, barruki Sanger, Newry, fork Hill, Bessbrook, golf observation posts etc .as well as urban and rural patrols .. still think of the places now .... very scary place ...18 Yr old ... memories .......
Also I will never forget the border shooting in jonesborough ..2 high ranking RUC officers ... ill never forget that day ..... haunts me
One of many places around the world from Ralpindi to Northern Kenya, wild, rough places but resistance to foreign rule but also anti any outside interference…..
Irish history is awesome.
I wonder if Brandon Houghes was the one that said something about the safe houses in Belfast that came from the land agent that the dark cought onto that was later killed
His name was Brendan Hughes - and he was excellent at punctuation.
it was Brendan Hughes - the fella in question was Joe Fenton
Darkie was well respected by both sides
Joe was also executed before Brendan could interrogate him himself, scap probably hurried his meeting with his maker knowing now he was touting himself
Fenton was sacrificed by the British....yet another sacrifice and individual killed in their sick and twisted counter-insurgency strategy.
Special Branch knew Fenton was going to be killed by Internal Security (even Harry Burns couldnt save his mate) and they allowed it to happen. British agents masquerading as PIRA members involved in killing other agents.
Hence why when at the European Court Of Human Rights, the Brits always turn up mob handed with a shit tonne of legal backup, as they know they dont want their secrets getting spilled out into the open too often.
Clermont cairn … and views over north and south-gone are the OP’s … and helicopters buzzing around. A great book 😅
What a book
First thing you got shown was photos of soldiers that had been compromised and then taken on and killed in an op. It made you respect your enemy.
Awesome book👏👏
This guy running this podcast comes across as he knows everything but drops the ball alot
The people who know are not talking
Just read it, brilliant book - great interview, thanks for your work
Would be interesting to hear your recommendations on any movies based on the war in Ireland for us learning to check out , anyway thanks for the podcast take care
Read the book "Bandit County" in 2000, great read.
This is the best one yet. I remember during the troubles and coming back from a music festival in the South. We stopped off in Crossmaglen for food and I will never forget the reception. Everyone was staring at us, or rather dirty looks. The person serving us asked a lot of questions before deciding to return with the food. Couldn't wait to leave.
Yeah, but we were new faces, so they were a tad suspicious.@biddyearly9262
@biddyearly9262❤
Who wrote these books.
As a Southerner I'm curious what South Armagh thought of Adams/ McGuinness. I get the impression they trusted McGuinness but were a bit weary of Adams.
McGinnis the informer?
@@Barrysmith567 Says who ???
@MR-mc6rj says a great deal of people... I don't think we will ever know the truth tho
@@MR-mc6rj we haven't heard many rumours about Adams being mi5 but we have with McGinnis
@@Barrysmith567 Could you be a little more vague ! Which people, name names. Is it cause he sued for peace ?? How do you know Slab wasn't an informer. Maybe you're an agent sowing discord.
Nobody wants to lose their loved ones ❤
Faerie fort ❤
Dont forget about the PADRE
Can anyone explain how we can trust the testimony of "Major M" or "Volunteer G" or "Constable B" etc. ? Like does Toby know who it is? How do we know he isnt just making these people, and consequently their claims up?
He is it’s pure speculation
Brendan Hughes was targeted for death by the Det-14th intel company many times. He was an expert operator even though he was self taught.
we hid Darkie in Dublin then sent him to Cuba on recon.
Darky Hughes called the GFA Got Fuck All. And he was wrong. N. Ireland now has a semblance of peace after 40 years of fighting a 'war' the nationalists simply could not win.
Brendan Hughes died a bitter man and bitter at one man inparticular: Gerry Adams. His former c/o now a politician, who famously said the ira would drive the British into the Irish sea. Really? Oh that's right, the rebels unconditionally surrendered, mmm.
@@JamesFaulds-g3g "unconditionally surrendered" was there not an agreement? 🤔
@@JamesFaulds-g3gBrendan the dark Hughes was a legend. A man with more integrity than you and anyone you’ll ever know will ever have
The SAM7b attack you mentioned was ‘91, not ‘81.
@@paulbartlett8596 Correct.. misspoke, had 91 in my notes and all 🙄🙄
Hit the like button please 🙏
Wasnt it true that the time the sniper team was caught ,they got the better of the sas team on hand to hand fighting, only for reinforcements landed .
No, it wasnt
@johnbush6901 it is
Another lie
@seanmcgabriel207 balls
Don’t think this was true there was a dozen
Sas there
It said 13 dead but not forgotten
Only Brits and their supporters call South Armagh "Bandit Country."
Irish people call it "South Armagh."
No they don’t ,there are signs saying it ,I know I was there
British military most effective training circuit for the wars in the middle east.
Why aren't they protecting Irish people now 😂😂😂😂😂
Yeh you notice that to 👍
My favourite song is the boys are back in town ❤
I have read the book and watched about 90 mins of this podcast so far. As I would describe myself as Unionist and British I would never have taken the south armagh brigade for granted likewise East Tyrone. They were successful in controlling the ground from the British Army and RUC, but in the end lost the battle and probably the war, primarily through politics.
Whilst they didnt agree with what was settled for in 1998 as a defeated IRA, they moved on and thankfully its over for now.
They weren't defeated and they haven't gone away, but I can see how from your perspective you would like to think this. As soon as they started bombing London's financial district the British government realised that they would have to talk to these guys with a view to ending it. In fact, if you do some research you'll find that the British were talking to the Republicans way back in the 1980's. Fact is, and I know it's hard for Unionists to swallow, if the British could have got rid of Northern Ireland in the 1980's they would have. It cost them a fortune to secure and maintain and it was of no strategic or military value. I think Unionists are their own worst enemies sometimes, but I don't wish you any ill will. As you said, thankfully it's over for now.
@RayVothney I agree with you that Unionists are their own worst enemy. It's not a hard pill to swallow and I have done quite a bit of research, reading documentary watching etc in the last few years. It's not just my perspective but off others particularly those on the Republican side who I agree they lost. It's fact, they signed upto to a continuing Northern Ireland administering British rule. The British Army and Police didn't surrender their guns the IRA did.
@@g9604 Irish Times
Fri Jul 06 2007 - 01:00
An internal British army document examining its role in Northern Ireland during the Troubles concludes that while it did not defeat the IRA, it achieved an "end-state" which allowed a political process to be established.
The 98-page analysis of Operation Banner, the army's code name for its activities in the North, describes the Provisional IRA as "professional, dedicated, highly skilled and resilient" and one of the most effective terrorist organisations in history.
While the loyalist paramilitaries presented themselves as the protectors of the Protestant community, it said, they were in practice often little more than a "collection of gangsters".
But the study, which covers the period between 1968 and 2005, makes no mention of alleged British army collusion with loyalist paramilitaries.
- You don't have to agree with me, but that excert is apparently from a British Army document
@@g9604 Looks like my posts are being removed, what a surprise. Anyway I posted an excert from an article that is easily searchable called: "British army report says it did not defeat IRA" - Prominent and respected Irish Newspaper. See for yourself.
Vaguely remember reading this book when I was younger.Was the border fox one man or numerous people?
The Border Fox was Dessie O'Hare, Google him and just look into his eyes in any picture. A stone cold killer
One man dessie o'hare
A look from the overt side nothing like the covert side .
The only bandits were the foreign tans .☘️💪
Sickeningly callous treatment of human tragedies. These were young men, not statistics.
Not sectarian? At the start of the Troubles the protestant population of south Armagh was around 3000. It went down to around 800. A lot of those families moved into mid Armagh and south east Tyrone.
The 6 counties is sectarian by it's very creation. Or have you conveniently forgot that point because it doesnt fit the narrative you're trotting out? Ulster is 9 counties. It was deliberately reduced to 6 in order for the British state to be able to control the population not particularly keen on swearing allegiance to the butchers apron. So, by its very essence, it's a sectarian entity.
South Armagh Brigade had a good record of not deliberately attacking civilians or killing civilians in botched operations. The facts are there for all to see. Unless you wish to deny that point aswell.
Many Republican and Catholic families had to move elsewhere or flee south due to intimidation and violence from loyalists.
Gravity ❤
The Sky ❤
Great book and awesome author. Good to see its reprinted. My book is in shambles
Great interview, going to give it a read
Intelligent ❤
Actually read the book in long kesh in 99 lent to me by miceal caraher after it was sent into him
Brilliant post by way , did Belfast in 81, and im thinking what the fuck am I doing here
Great interview. I read BANDIT COUNTRY when it came out years ago but great to hear all the side stories. Toby Harnden is good. Go raibh maith agat
I'm realated to Patrick
Patrick ?
God bless the victims of Sunday ❤
And Omagh, loughgall, la mon, Eniskillen , Belfast, narrow water, Kingsmill, Shankill road and many many other innocent men, women and children who fell victim to IRA terrorist aggression .
Mark ❤😂
This person must want a British border
But good content sir…
I heard the SAS were bringing down soviet gunships in Afghanistan with stingers
Nope the CIA supplied stingers to the early version of the Taliban and they were taking the hind D gunships down with the stingers that were supplied to them,
They hid in shadows, rarely came out to fight man to man
That’s why it’s called guerrilla warfare.
Who, the SAS? Correct
That's untrue
As someone else has already stated, the SAS always hid.
The original point is baffling so off the mark that it doesnt bare any resemblance to the actual reality of warfare 🤫.
Who stands up in a field and says "Here i am, shoot at me"??? I suppose you also class the wearing of camouflage clothing as "cheating" do you? 🙄🤪
Hell, even the British army held/hold a begrudging respect for the volunteers in the South Armagh Brigade. They may have hated them, but they respected them and their abilities. The occupying Brit army said that the Brigade werent cowards in the slightest and had excellent fieldcraft.
@Heresy1987 correct
Crossmaglen.... The Ghost Town...we called it ... especially wen we walked past the cemetery and the words ... royal marines graveyard painted on it ... very eeerie
Belfast?????!
I read 'bandit country' when released thinking it was a neutral account, listening to this what a fool I was.
If you read BC thinking it's a neutral account then that's a YOU problem.
@@MindbodyMedic Who let my ex wife in here?
My family escaped the troubles
I served 91 to 94 south Armagh working with frank SB lots of this book was not true . During this time
Approximately how many people did you serve with? I mean how many in the S.A unit approximately?
Bandit Country is about one person,
"✨🎆The Assassin,🎆✨".
Naaaa ,the coward
What about the British information
Do you know the moon rules water
Knowledge ❤
Free Ireland ❤
I was young at 18 in londonderry as a spotter, I worked with certain units, but how did billy get shot in a maximum security prison when Blair took over and your mates got to sent afagastarn in the shit wagons
Roscommon ❤ 🌓🌙🌖🌕🌒🌗🌘☘️
*He was a British soldier & he sees masked men in his dark room everynight & he starts shaking & screaming uncontrollably*
Then along came the SAS 🇬🇧
Vote for slab Murphy
Invasion well under way as we speak are you going to stand too now 🤫 veteran
🇮🇪✊🏻🇮🇪🙏❤️
Free Ireland nation
All the hunger strike ❤ wanted a free Ireland ❤
Intelligent
I was a republican in the early 90s and I believe so, don’t mind immigration but when it’s so high that the numbers cannot integrate even if they wanted to……any change in demographics that occurs that quickly is a portent for trouble……SF can dress the Long War as armed Civil Rights or Equality or whatever but we all know that at base it about identity and nationality………
Correct Rae, it was an ethnoreligious conflict and the revisionist fairytale spun by sf is silly. The issue with integration is also a fantasy. Irish are now directly racially discriminated against by their own state. A sorry sorry mess
The people want a audio book!
I can't give this person my oxygen 😂
1916❤
The Dark is a legend
This man was a spy
Really?
Bobby sands❤
It's the North of Ireland NOT Northern Ireland.
Behave yourself Henry 😂
Childish
It's the occupied six counties,
@Banksy_32 counties
There's a million that will say different
Young innocent boys were shot
The border was the problem
The ira could slip.over into eire
Whereas the security forces couldnt
Due to political.pressure
Different scenario in 1649 when cromwell not impeded
By politicians could!
News travelled slow in those days!
Is he obsessed with his poor behaviour? You might get forgiveness from the Catholic church?
A murderer who tries to justify his actions!!
Why do you hate Irish people?
Because they think killing British folk is alright… there always be an England that’s free from tyranny…
absolute spoofer