November 1978: A Long War
November 1978 saw Harold Pinter's play "Betrayal" premiere in London. Coincidently, in Northern Ireland, the IRA were actively trying to eradicate any betrayal from within their ranks, moving to a more refined ‘Active Service Unit’ approach.
Political Developments in November 1978
There wasn’t a great deal of political developments to report on during November; however, there were a few newsworthy points to cover.
On November 2nd, a British Army intelligence document entitled 'Northern Ireland: Future Terrorist Trends' was uncovered. The document contained an assessment of the IRA's capacity. It noted that the calibre of members was high and that the new 'cell structure' that the Active Service Units had adopted made them less vulnerable to informers. To improve security and operational capacity these ASUs were smaller, tight-knit cells, usually consisting of five to eight members, for carrying out armed attacks. The ASU's weapons were controlled by a quartermaster under the direct control of the IRA leadership.
Two days later, the SDLP annual conference voted that British withdrawal was 'desirable and inevitable'. The party also called for fresh talks between the British and Irish governments and representatives of the two communities in Northern Ireland.
A Bill was passed in the House of Commons on the 28th of November to increase the number of Northern Ireland MPs at Westminster. The number was increased from 12 to 17 seats.
Shootings in November 1978
24/11/78 - IRA volunteer Patrick Duffy (50) was shot dead by undercover British Army soldiers at an arms cache in an unoccupied house on Maureen Avenue, off Abercorn Road, Derry.
26/11/78 - Albert Miles (50), then Deputy Governor of Long Kesh Prison, was shot dead by the IRA outside his home in Evelyn Gardens, Belfast. This was one of a series of attacks on prison officers.
27/11/78 - Off-duty UDR soldier Robert Bachelor (36) was shot dead by the IRA just after he left his workplace, Institution Place, near Durham Street, Belfast.
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Bombings in November 1978
12/11/78 - British Ambassador to Ireland Walter Robert Haydon unknowingly survived an INLA assassination attempt in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. A remote-controlled bomb placed inside a stool failed to explode when triggered from a car outside and was later retrieved by members of the INLA.
12/11/78 - British soldier Gareth Wheeden (19) was killed when an IRA booby trap bomb detonated as a British patrol passed by in Crossmaglen, County Armagh.
14/11/78 - The IRA carried out several bomb attacks in towns across Northern Ireland. Serious damage was caused in attacks in Armagh, Belfast, Castlederg, Cookstown, Derry and Enniskillen. Thirty-seven people were injured in the attacks. This series of bomb attacks represented a renewed bombing campaign, and over 50 bombs were exploded in the following week.
16/11/78 - A fire officer, Wesley Orr (53), was killed when an IRA grenade exploded at the Bass Brewery, which had been set alight, Glen Road, Andersonstown, Belfast.
30/11/78 - The IRA carried out several bomb and fire-bomb attacks in 14 towns and villages across Northern Ireland. The IRA issued a statement admitting the attacks and warning that it was preparing for a 'long war'.
Thanks very much for reading. I hope you found it interesting and will come back on Thursday!
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I’ve also recently released Tales of The Troubles: Volume 1. The Early Years - 1960s. Check it out. It would be a great addition to your library or a gift for someone for Christmas. Stay tuned for Volume 2, covering the 1970s.
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Some recommended reading based on research for this instalment.
The Secret Army: The IRA by J. Bowyer Bell.
INLA Deadly Divisions by Henry McDonald and Jack Holland.
