2nd January 1920
RIC enrolls first British Recruits
As the War of Independence escalated, the Royal Irish Constabulary was becoming more and more overstretched. In December 1919, the government began to recruit ex-servicemen from Britain to bolster the police force in Ireland. These servicemen became known as the Black and Tans - due to the mixed colours of their uniforms. In July, they were joined by the Auxiliary Division, composed of ex-officers from the war.
The Black and Tans and Auxiliaries became notorious for their lack of discipline and reckless behaviour throughout their time in Ireland.
