Operation Banner: The British Army in Northern Ireland, 1969-2007

Operation Banner was the name given to the British Army's operation in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 2007. It was the longest continuous deployment of British troops in any conflict since the Second World War.

Operation Banner: The British Army in Northern Ireland, 1969 – 2007

by Philip G. Schrag

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21118 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	313 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The operation began in response to the outbreak of The Troubles, a period of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland that lasted for over 30 years. The British Army was deployed to help restore order and protect the lives of civilians.

Operation Banner involved over 200,000 British troops and cost the lives of over 1,000 soldiers. The operation was eventually ended in 2007 following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, which brought the Troubles to an end.

The Causes of The Troubles

The Troubles were caused by a number of factors, including:

• The partition of Ireland in 1921, which created a Protestant-majority state in the north and a Catholic-majority state in the south.
• The discrimination against Catholics in Northern Ireland, which included restrictions on voting, housing, and employment
• The rise of the Irish Republican Army (IRA),a paramilitary group that fought for a united Ireland
• The British government's response to the IRA, which included the use of internment and torture

The British Army in Northern Ireland

The British Army was deployed to Northern Ireland in 1969 in response to the outbreak of The Troubles. The troops were initially tasked with restoring order and protecting the lives of civilians.

However, the British Army's role in Northern Ireland quickly became more complex. The troops were drawn into a cycle of violence with the IRA, and they were often accused of human rights abuses.

The British Army remained in Northern Ireland for over 30 years. During this time, the troops saw some of the worst fighting of their careers. They were also subjected to frequent attacks from the IRA.

The End of Operation Banner

Operation Banner came to an end in 2007 following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. The agreement brought the Troubles to an end and paved the way for a new era of peace in Northern Ireland.

The end of Operation Banner was a significant moment in British history. It marked the end of the longest continuous deployment of British troops in any conflict since the Second World War.

The Legacy of Operation Banner

The legacy of Operation Banner is complex and controversial. Some people view the British Army as peacekeepers who helped to bring the Troubles to an end.

Others view the British Army as an occupying force that was responsible for human rights abuses. The debate over the legacy of Operation Banner is likely to continue for many years to come.

Operation Banner: The British Army in Northern Ireland, 1969 – 2007

by Philip G. Schrag

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21118 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	313 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE