CONTENT
At the end of November I went on a road trip with Kev to Northern Ireland. In many respects it was more of a battlefield tour than a road trip covering areas where we had been on operations. On this pod we discuss the transformation of Northern Ireland since we were there in the late 80s and early 90s with a focus on Belfast, Londonderry and South Armagh. We reflect on our past tours on Op BANNER during the Troubles and provide comparisons between the past and present while exploring key landmarks like the Europa Hotel. We also travel the roads in South Armagh, visit former military bases and discuss the region’s struggles and journey towards peace. During our trip we saw how far Northern Ireland has come and reflect on the compromises and changes that have contributed to its current state.
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6 Comments
Have been waiting for this, but i really wish you guys did a meet and greet or hook up for subscribers, great work once again
Agree with a lot of whats being said here. A lot of the violence and trouble spots i think are largely areas that feel theyre being left behind/gentrified/uprooted and feel they're the collateral price for peace, rather than political/territorial arguments which still needs to be addressed. Thankfully i think the chances of severe violence are the lowest theyve been maybe since NI's formation
Born in Belfast, 1967, I'm a Protestant. Joined the Army in 1984, aged 16. Partly to get away from the grip of the Paramilitaries. Served 23 years, came home permanently in 2017. Was living in Wales prior to returning home. Indeed the whole country has changed since the old days. Probably done 9 years in total in Northern Ireland, mostly due to transferring to the Royal Irish Regiment, Home Service element. Left in 2007, retired, but we were getting disbanded anyway, so good timing. Done a few Roulement tours in late 80s and 90s. Mainly Tyrone and Fermanagh. Was in Derryard, saw the Podcast. Anyway, fast forward to the lockdown period, me and the missus done a tour, mainly Fermanagh and Londonderry. I was aiming to show her the places i served, the PVCPs and camps. Obviously they have all but gone, but it brought back memories of my time there. I had my camera, made a video of it all. Only talked to one policeman, who was of my era, lasted about an hour, talking about what it was like for both of us back then. He recalled some of the same things i did.
On a side note, back in August, there was a protest in Belfast, about immigration. Something i never saw in my 57 years, both sides of the divide coming together, different flags, protesting about the same thing. Although it might seem a minor issue, it's becoming a massive issue for both sides. Housing, jobs etc. Might not seem like it, but that's going to be the new conflict North and South.
Great Podcast
I was Royal Hampshires 1989 tour Londonderry, Stephen cummings RIP he was from my old school and CCF, I personally have an issue i don't think I could walk around over there , you couldn't pay me enough to walk around creggan / Bogside again
No surrender