Bresland pays tribute to 'B' Specials and UDR

Speaking in support of a DUP motion in the Northern Ireland Assembly calling on the Secretary of State to mark the 40th anniversary of the disbandment of the Ulster Special Constabulary and the creation of the Ulster Defence Regiment, West Tyrone DUP MLA, Allan Bresland, said it was "not only a privilege but a pleasure" to be able pay a warm tribute to both organisations.

Mr Bresland, who served with the UDR for 15 years, said: "Northern Ireland has come to a place of peace. But the road has been a long and rocky one. And a high price has been paid to bring us where we are today.

"As we reflect upon our journey along that rocky road, all of us in this House will have our heroes and our villains. There are those in this House whose open hatred of the "B" Specials and the UDR is well-known. No one argues that that these organisations were perfect – there are bad apples in virtually every organisation – but they have been condemned by those in are in no position to judge. Indeed, words such as 'pots', 'kettles' and 'black' spring to mind! Despite Republican propaganda, the vast majority of 'B' Specials and the UDR were decent and hard-working members of society. To me – and to thousands of others across this Province – the memory of the 'B' Specials and the UDR is warmly revered. Along with the RUC and the Army, they stood between us and those who wished to destroy us and our way of life.

"Most of us on this side of the Chamber have strong ties with the Specials and the UDR – and many of our family members were proud to wear the uniform."

Mr Bresland said Northern Ireland's position within the UK is now stronger than ever.

He added: "And we look forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary of Northern Ireland in 2021. Those who served in the 'B' Specials and the UDR have played a major part in the preservation of the Union. From the setting up of Northern Ireland in 1921 to their disbandment in 1970, the 'B' Specials were a key to Ulster's survival. The Hunt Report states that during the early days of Northern Ireland, the Specials "bore a heavy responsibility for the preservation of law and order in the Province.

"I am not old enough to remember those days – but I do remember how the peace and prosperity of our Province was shattered in the late 1960s when those who hated the very existence of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom rose up in open rebellion. At that dangerous time, the Government relied heavily on the 'B' Specials. But for them, who knows what might have happened. But, as we have seen too often in our Province, they were to be sacrificed to appease those who would never be satisfied and would always demand more.

"I echo the words of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland in March 1970 when he said to the members of the USC, 'you have done magnificently…Ulster owes you an immense debt'. It was not long before those who replaced the USC – the UDR and the RUC Reserve – became the targets of verbal and physical attacks from Republicans.

"As I turn my attention briefly to the UDR, I speak from the heart and from personal experience. It was my privilege to serve as a part-time member of the Ulster Defence Regiment for 15 fifteen years. There were some who were not too happy with that. Republican terrorists tried to murder me back in May 1981. But I survived - and by the grace of God I am here today to see my children and my grand-children. The same cannot be said for hundreds of my UDR colleagues who were sent to an early grave by the enemies of this Province and who left behind loved ones who will carry the burden of their loss to their own graves. The memory and the gallantry of the UDR – and also their successors in the Royal Irish Regiment - must never be forgotten.

"I join with my colleagues in urging the new Secretary of State to ensure that the 40th anniversary of the disbandment of the USC and the creation of the UDR is marked in a way that brings honour to these two great organisations."