The 'Temporary Gentlemen' who became infamous for burning a city
In short: Imagine being a decorated World War I officer, suddenly jobless and struggling to find work in 1920s London. For some, the solution was joining a paramilitary unit called the Auxiliaries—a force that would eventually become synonymous with extrajudicial killings and the devastating burning of Cork city.
Major-General Henry Hugh Tudor established the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary (ADRIC) during July 1920 to serve as a mobile striking force against the Irish Republican Army. Unlike the 'Black and Tans'—who were regular constables—the Auxiliaries were composed primarily of former British Army officers. Many were highly decorated veterans of World War I who struggled with their loss of status and pay in civilian life. To lure them, the government offered a weekly wage of £7, which was double what an ordinary constable earned. While they were technically part of the police force, the Auxiliaries operated with significant independence, particularly in the south and west of Ireland. They were often more effective than other units at gathering intelligence, scoring high-profile captures of IRA commandants.
However, this effectiveness came at a cost. Because they were hurriedly recruited and poorly trained, many 'Temporary Cadets' struggled with discipline. This led to a reputation for drunkenness and brutality that even the regular Royal Irish Constabulary found 'rough.'
The force became notorious for reprisal attacks against civilians. The most infamous incident occurred on December 11, 1920, when Auxiliaries from K Company set fire to Cork city's commercial center in revenge for an ambush. The resulting damage was estimated at $20 million. While the British government initially blamed citizens, a suppressed military court of inquiry later confirmed the Auxiliaries started the fires. Other incidents included extrajudicial killings and even 'friendly fire' shootouts where both sides mistook each other for insurgents.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Auxiliary Division
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