THE Union Jack was hauled down in Pettigo on Tuesday morning, The loyal village that was true for centuries to the British Throne and Constitution was betrayed and handed over the by the British to the army of Sinn Fein.

Little wonder the heavens sent showers of hail and sleet, and that they burst forth in a thunder storm. It was but a fitting accompaniment to the day's proceedings!

What the villagers have dreaded for months past has now become a reality. At 7am the greater part of the South Staffords proceeded by train to Omagh, leaving behind a party of 20 men and headquarters staff, for the purpose of the formal handing over of the village. General Yapman was present at the taking over.

Although the morning was cold, dark and a blustering wind blew, quite a number of the townspeople gave the Tommies a hearty farewell. The Free State troops arrived at 10am but no welcome awaited them. This force, which numbers 150 men of the B Company of the 3rd Southern battalion, had stayed overnight in Clones, and travelling by special train, proceeded by a pilot engine they halted at Newtownbutler. Here an armed escort of 24 men of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, under the command of District Inspector Moore, Kesh, boarded the train, and escorted it to Pettigo.

On arrival at Pettigo, the Constabulary marched from the station straight to the bridge marks the border line, and re-entered their own territory. The Free State troops shortly after entered Pettigo. There was no flag waving - (the citizens only have Union Jacks), there were no cheers of shouts of joy. Most of the people kept indoors, sullen, dour.

General Yapman Captain Hordern (Stafford's O.C.), and other officers were at their headquarters, and as the Free State troops came along, the British Staff took their departure. The Free Staters have a general salute which General Yapman acknowledged. The small British party of 20 men at the Mill Street post, were relieved by the incoming forces, but no compliments were paid here, the Staffords marching out as the others arrived the post.

That, in short was the whole ceremony. The Free Staters took up their quarters in Flood's Hotel, the Courthouse and the Market House. The accommodation is primitive. With such weather the men felt cold and miserable as they viewed their surroundings, and did their best to try and improve their lot.