Page 10 - Defence Forces Pictorial History

1919/1921
War of Independence
Óglaigh na hÉireann
The Defence Forces

he War of Independence was initiated in January 1919 by
a number of young, determined Volunteer leaders. They
Twere convinced that a republic could only be gained by
force. By necessity, they adopted a guerrilla campaign. They were
organised initially into small independent units which launched
frequent low-level surprise attacks.

Michael Collins played a pivotal role. He provided the Volunteers
with funds, arms and equipment. His most critical contribution
lay in the provision of intelligence. However, given the nature of
guerrilla warfare, it was the individual Volunteer units who made
the greatest contribution.

During the war 15,000 Volunteers were actively involved, with
around 3,000 in service at any given time. From the autumn of
1919 the force had suffcient strength to attempt more spectacular
actions and now became known as the Irish Republican Army. The
best known of these took place on 21 November 1919, Bloody
Sunday, during which 19 suspected British Army intelligence
offcers were shot.

By late 1920 the force had been organised into fying columns
mobile units of about 100 men, based in remote camps or safe
houses. By the middle of 1921 the British government became
amenable to a political settlement and on 21 July a truce came
into operation.

A Pictorial History of Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Defence Forces of Ireland