D. M. Leeson Books

This narrative delves into the notorious Black and Tans and Auxiliaries, police forces that emerged during the Irish War of Independence (1920-1). The British government recruited thousands of ex-soldiers to serve as constables in the Royal Irish Constabulary, while also forming a paramilitary raiding force of ex-officers known as the Auxiliary Division. From summer 1920 to summer 1921, these forces became central to a contentious struggle. In response to guerrilla ambushes and assassinations, the police enacted reprisals, leading to extrajudicial killings and widespread abuse of prisoners and suspects. Families and supporters faced violence as homes and shops were burned, prompting accusations against the British government of imposing a reign of terror in Ireland. Drawing on extensive archival research, this study is the first in-depth examination of the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries and their role in the conflict. It explores their organization, recruitment, social backgrounds, and the conditions they faced. Additionally, it sheds light on their conduct, experiences, and psychological states, offering a unique perspective on the Irish conflict while addressing the British government's accountability for reprisals and the challenges of employing police forces against insurgents in revolutionary contexts.