The Ulster Defence Regiment becomes operational.

Event

Wednesday, 1 April, 1970

Equipped with No 4 Lee Enfield Rifles.

Following The Ulster Defence Regiment Act 1969 and a short period of recruiting, The Ulster Defence Regiment became operational on 1 April 1970. Although still under strength, The Ulster Defence Regiment on formation consisted of the following battalions:

1st (County Antrim) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Ballymena

2nd (County Armagh) Battalion: Battalion HQ - Armagh

3rd (County Down) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Ballykinler

4th (County Fermanagh) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Enniskillen

5th (County Londonderry) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Londonderry

6th (County Tyrone) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Omagh

7th (City of Belfast) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Holywood

The battalions' titles were abbreviated to their number followed by 'UDR' so that, for example, the 1st Battalion The Ulster Defence Regiment's short title was 1 UDR.

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'I turned over one poor chap on a rocky, bloody crag on Tanngoucha. He was facing the right way, the last round of a clip in the breech and three dead Germans in front of him. His name was Duff. After all is over - and the remainder of the Empire is understandably irritated with Ireland - I hope these countless Duffs, from both the North and the South, and in all three services, will be remembered.
(Brigadier Nelson Russell, Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade)

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The Ulster Defence Regiment becomes operational.

Welcome to the Royal Irish Virtual Military Gallery

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