USC: Former B-Specials attend Fermanagh book launch

David Keys.

Written by David Keys, the book is titled ‘Duty Bound’ and covers the Ulster Special Constabulary (USC) also known as the B-Specials, from formation in 1920 to dissolution in 1970.

Delighted with the support from the local community at the launch of his new book, David told The Impartial Reporter that many of those who attended were former B-Specials or had family members who served.

SEE ALSO: Fermanagh historian to launch B-Specials book in Enniskillen

“It was very well supported. There were a lot of people who had a close connection to the Fermanagh USC.

“Albert Hughes [who was in attendance] was the last sub-district commandant in Irvinestown sub-district,” said David, noting that Violet Johnston, the widow of David Johnston, the last B-Special to lose his life in Co. Fermanagh, was also in attendance.

Albert Hughes, former sub disctrict commandant and Violet Johnston widow of Davod Johnston the last B man killed in Fermanagh.

“Albert and Violet were invited forward and they unveiled the book,” he added.

Also present on the night were the children of senior USC officers who are now deceased.

“One of them was Roy Palmer,” explained David, adding: “He was the son of Captain Palmer. He was present and thanked for he was able to supply quite a bit of material from his father [which contributed to the book].

“His father had kept extensive diaries during his service in Fermanagh,” said David, adding that also present was Bryan Thompson, the son of the last adjutant before the USC was stood down in Fermanagh, Major Benjamin Thompson.

SEE ALSO: Fermanagh in days of old

“Also there on the night were two of the sons and one daughter of one of the sergeant instructors in the Fermanagh USC and his name was Alfred Day.”

Artefacts

On the night, there were displays of artefacts relating to the USC dating back to the beginning, in 1920. There was also a display board of casualties between 1920 and 1922.

Photo by Donnie Phair.

“The one casualty in 1961 and then there was another board detailing the former members of the Fermanagh USC who had continued their service in the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR), the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) and the police reserve, who also lost their lives,” said David.

The launch began with a demonstration from the USC Historical Platoon from Omagh.

“They marched in, right to the front of the hall and gave a drill demonstration using the equipment of the time.

“The weapons and all that they were using were from 1920 onwards up to 1970,” explained David.

David then welcomed all in attendance and thanked those who helped him with research for the book.

The guest speaker on the night was David Scott, the Outreach Officer for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, who is a relative of one of the B-Specials who was killed in Co. Fermanagh, James McInness.

David gave an overview of the USC in Co. Fermanagh. He was followed by Mervyn Hall, who said a couple of words on behalf of Fermanagh Genealogy Society (FGS).

“I thanked the members of FGS because several of the members, including Frankie Roofe, helped me research,” said David, adding: “Maurice Neill then spoke as well because he proof-read the book. He gave a general overview of how important the recording of events is for historical purposes and for future generations.”

“Overall I was very pleased with the turnout and the evening went well,” he told this newspaper.