Book review: Havoc: The Auxiliaries in Ireland’s War of Independence, by Paul O’Brien

THE Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary (ADRIC) was established on July 23, 1920. They were the inspiration of the British Secretary for War, Winston Churchill.

They were considered a superior class of Black and Tans. All of the ADRIC were former officers who had served in the Allied forces during the First World War. They were paid £1 a day, twice the pay of the ordinary Black and Tans.

The Auxies — as they were commonly called — were formed to bring the fight to the rebels. Each was given the rank of Temporary Cadet, which was abbreviated to T/C. Some bragged this stood for “tough c**ts.”