[50] The UVF was banned again on 3 October 1975 and two days later twenty-six suspected UVF members were arrested in a series of raids. Others who attended included Jeanette Irvine, the widow of the former PUP Assembly member, David Ervine, Dawn Purvis, the former PUP Assembly member who resigned from the party over the UVF's activities and the former Assembly member and former Human Rights Commissioner, Monica Mc Williams. [21] The 'Paisleyites' set out to stymie the civil rights movement and oust Terence O'Neill, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. There was to be much overlap in membership between the UCDC/UPV and the UVF.[22]. Augustus 'Gusty' Spence (born 28th June 1933) is a former leader of the Ulster Volunteer Force, Loyalist politician and soldier in the British Army. This was in retaliation for attacks on Loyalist homes the previous weekend and after a young girl was hit in the face with a brick by Republicans. Both pubs were wrecked and a number of people were wounded. After the Troubles began, an Orange-Canadian loyalist organization known as the Canadian Ulster Loyalist Association (CULA) sprang to life to provide the 'besieged' Protestants with the resources to arm themselves. While republicans were the expressed target, the attacks that followed were explicitly sectarian. Flanked by his PUP colleagues Jim McDonald and William Plum Smith, as well as Ulster Democratic Party members Gary McMichael, John White and Davy Adams, Spence read out the statement from Fernhill a former Cunningham family home on their former Glencairn estate in Belfast's Glencairn area. He did not specify what activities or what was being resisted. [21] Some unionists feared Irish nationalism and launched an opposing response in Northern Ireland. Hundreds of mourners have attended the funeral of the former loyalist leader Gusty Spence. [149] It is estimated that the UVF nevertheless received hundreds of thousands of pounds in donations to its Loyalist Prisoners Welfare Association. [56] The UVF's activities in the last years of the decade were increasingly being curtailed by the number of UVF members who were sent to prison. [53] Spence, a talented footballer in his youth with Old Lodge F.C., was a lifelong supporter of Linfield F.C. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. In keeping with his wishes,. In accordance with Spence's wishes, there were no paramilitary trappings at the funeral or reference to his time in the UVF. He added: "He formed a relationship with Cardinal O'Fiach and that was in some of our ways of thinking in those days a big step because the Catholic church in particular were the enemy. In March and April that year, UVF and UPV members bombed water and electricity installations in Northern Ireland, blaming them on the dormant IRA and elements of the civil rights movement. [45], Released from prison in 1984, Spence soon became a leading member of the UVF-linked Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) and a central figure in the Northern Ireland peace process. He added: "I think it helped to set some of the tone to bring us to where we are now.". [139] In 2002 the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee estimated the UVF's annual running costs at 12 million per year, against an annual fundraising capability of 1.5 million. "CAIN: Sutton Index of Deaths crosstabulations", "UVF disbands unit linked to taxi murder", Law and order Belfast-style as two men are forced on a 'walk of shame', 'Report of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning', Twenty-Fourth Report of the Independent Monitoring Commission, "David Madine admits trying to kill loyalist Harry Stockman", "Police say UVF gunman seen in Rathcoole during trouble". Mein Nisinta Seirbhse Poibl na hireann, Originally Published / Wednesday, 28 Sep 2011. [71], On 14 September 2005, following serious loyalist rioting during which dozens of shots were fired at riot police and the British Army the Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain announced that the British government no longer recognised the UVF ceasefire. Though, for its own purposes, it assumed the same name it has nothing else in common. [45], In 1974, hardliners staged a coup and took over the Brigade Staff. [13][14][15][16][17] The other main loyalist paramilitary group during the conflict was the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), which had a much larger membership. The initial aim of Ulster Resistance was to bring an end to the Anglo-Irish Agreement. In January 2000 UVF Mid-Ulster brigadier Richard Jameson was shot dead by a LVF gunman which led to an escalation of the UVF/LVF feud. A number of friends and family members spoke at the service at St Michael's Church of Ireland on the Shankill Road. [68], According to journalist and author Ed Moloney, the UVF campaign in Mid-Ulster in this period "indisputably shattered Republican morale", and put the leadership of the republican movement under intense pressure to "do something",[69] although this has been disputed by others.[who?]. Spence now argued that UVF members were soldiers and soldiers should not kill civilians, as had been the case at McGurk's Bar. Berenice also assists in shipping across the state, country or around the world. [36] It also continued its attacks in the Republic of Ireland, bombing the Dublin-Belfast railway line, an electricity substation, a radio mast, and Irish nationalist monuments. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Why Covid lab-leak theory is now being taken seriously, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. [19] Spence later wrote "at the time, the attitude was that if you couldn't get an IRA man you should shoot a Taig, he's your last resort". Adair's men forced their way into Spence's Shankill home but found it empty, as Spence tended to spend much of the summer at a caravan he owned in Groomsport. In 1972, five Toronto businessmen shipped weapons in grain container ships out of Halifax, bound for ports in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland which were destined for loyalist militants. [22] Spence's involvement in the killings gave him legendary status among many young loyalists and he was claimed as an inspiration by the likes of Michael Stone. [citation needed], On 26 March 2022, the UVF was linked to a hoax bomb alert at a bar in Warrenpoint, County Down. [11] Whenever it claimed responsibility for its attacks, the UVF usually claimed that those targeted were IRA members or were giving help to the IRA. In her address to the church congregation, Ms Purvis recalled how Mr Spence had been frank about his UVF role, but that he had often shocked loyalist contemporaries by his willingness to bring an end to conflict and build bridges between working class Protestants and Catholics. "[23] It was led by Gusty Spence, formerly a soldier in the British Army. [151] A Canadian branch of the UDA also existed and sent $30,000 to the UDA's headquarters in Belfast by 1975. [126] Later, in September 1972, Gusty Spence said in an interview that the organisation had a strength of 1,500. The gunmen shot dead six people and injured five. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Harry and Meghan told to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage, Dozens of girls treated after new Iran poisonings, Rare Jurassic-era bug found at Arkansas Walmart, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Man survives 31 days in jungle by eating worms, Havana Syndrome unlikely to have hostile cause - US. (2006) "Neglected Intelligence: How the British Government Failed to Quell the Ulster Volunteer Force, 19121914. While republicans were the expressed target, the attacks that followed were explicitly sectarian. Stock photos, 360 images, vectors and videos Since the ceasefire, the UVF has been involved in rioting, drug dealing, organised crime, loan-sharking and prostitution. Read about our approach to external linking. [39], Spence began to move towards a position of using political means to advance one's aims, and he persuaded the UVF leadership to declare a temporary ceasefire in 1973. DeSantis won't say he's running. The 78-year-old died in hospital at the weekend after a long illness. Skip to navigation [n] Skip to content [c] Skip to footer [f] Search Search. [21] This occurred despite Spence having been officially expelled from the Orange Order following his conviction. Human error to blame for train crash - Greek PM, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. Ever Loved makes it easy to compare funeral homes, funeral parlors and mortuaries, so you can find the best fit. [44] In 1977, he publicly condemned the use of violence for political gain, on the grounds that it was counter-productive. [citation needed] There were also reports that UVF members fired shots at police lines during a protest. "Shortly after he was jailed, Gusty, after a period of reflection on his own life, quickly started to challenge other loyalists coming into prison to reflect on their own lives.". [1] Spence, along with other Shankill Road loyalists, broke from Paisley in 1965 when they sided with Jim Kilfedder in a row that followed the latter's campaigns in Belfast West. However, following significant political pressure, the UVF claimed in 2007 that it was decommissioning its weapons. He was born in the Shankill Road area of Belfast. In the 1960s, he founded the modern Ulster Volunteer Force, an organisation which was responsible for hundreds of sectarian murders during the Troubles. It was alleged that Colin Armstrong had links to both drugs and loyalist terrorists. [85][86] Fifty-year-old Stockman was stabbed more than 10 times in a supermarket in Belfast; the attack was believed to have been linked to the Moffett killing. [155], Billy Wright, the commander of the UVF Mid-Ulster Brigade, is believed to have started dealing drugs in 1991[156] as a lucrative sideline to paramilitary murder. He was sworn in soon afterwards in a ceremony held in secret near Pomeroy, County Tyrone. A man once involved in conflict. [citation needed] The arms were divided between the UVF, the UDA (the largest loyalist group) and Ulster Resistance.[61]. The community centre hosting the event and 25 nearby homes were evacuated and a funeral was disrupted. [70], There followed years of violence between the two organisations. [41] Furthermore, the VPP suffered a heavy defeat in West Belfast in the October 1974 general election, when the DUP candidate John McQuade captured six times as many votes as the VPP's Ken Gibson. "While the talks may be slow, they are the only glint on the horizon, he said. Fire also engulfed the house next door, killing the elderly Protestant widow, Matilda Gould (77), who lived there. [130], Prior to and after the onset of the Troubles the UVF carried out armed robberies. A former leader of the UVF's political wing, the Progressive Unionist Party, described him as "one of the pivots on which a page of Irish history turned". we solemnly warn the authorities to make no more speeches of appeasement. While the only echoes of Mr Spences paramilitary past were the UVF murals that dotted his funeral route, a guard of honour was formed by veterans of his old British Army regiment, the Royal Ulster Rifles. They have been engaged in orchestrating violence on our streets, and it's very clear to me that they are engaged in an array of mafia-style activities. Spence is regarded as the first terrorist godfather in Northern Ireland but also the man who took the first steps towards ending UVF violence. [150] The Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee noted in its report that "in 1992 it was estimated that Scottish support for the UDA and UVF might amount to 100,000 a year. Their weapons stock-piles are to be retained under the watch of the UVF leadership. [134] Like the IRA, the UVF also operated black taxi services,[135][136][137] a scheme believed to have generated 100,000 annually for the organisation. At his funeral yesterday, Mr Spence said he was not there to deify Mr Lynch, whom he described as "a simple man but a wealthy one in terms of his friends and his love for his country". [94] The high levels of orchestration by the leadership of the East Belfast UVF, and the alleged ignored orders from the main leaders of the UVF to stop the violence has led to fears that the East Belfast UVF has now become a separate loyalist paramilitary grouping which doesn't abide by the UVF ceasefire or the Northern Ireland Peace Process. The 78-year-old died in hospital at the weekend after a long illness. It used submachine guns, assault rifles, shotguns, pistols, grenades (including homemade grenades), incendiary bombs, booby trap bombs and car bombs. Tributes were paid to former leading loyalist paramilitary turned peacemaker Gusty Spence at his funeral in Belfast today. [11] During the conflict, its deadliest attack in Northern Ireland was the 1971 McGurk's Bar bombing, which killed fifteen civilians. One study focusing in part on female members of the UVF and Red Hand Commando noted that it "seem[ed] to have been reasonably unusual" for women to be officially asked to join the UVF. [40] Following Merlyn Rees' decision to legalise the UVF in 1974, Spence encouraged them to enter politics and supported the establishment of the Volunteer Political Party. [41] On 17 May, two UVF units from the Belfast and Mid-Ulster brigades detonated four car bombs in Dublin and Monaghan. The UVF was also clashing with the UDA in the summer of 2000. [58], The UVF's nickname is "Blacknecks", derived from their uniform of black polo neck jumper, black trousers, black leather jacket, black forage cap, along with the UVF badge and belt. F". The gang comprised, in addition to the UVF, rogue elements of the UDR, RUC, SPG, and the regular Army, all acting allegedly under the direction of the British Intelligence Corps and/or RUC Special Branch. My experience of Gusty was as the whole man. [58][59][105] Graham has held the position since he assumed office in 1976. He had risen through its ranks to become a sergeant in the military police and the regiments flag was draped across his coffin. It would attack the Republic again in May 1974, during the two-week Ulster Workers' Council strike. Spence was praised by, among others, PUP leader Brian Ervine, who stated that "his contribution to the peace is incalculable". On the basis of that, we as a federation have called for the respecification of the UVF [stating that its ceasefire is over]. [34] In December, the UVF detonated a car bomb near the Garda central detective bureau and telephone exchange headquarters in Dublin. [10] Whatever the truth of this intelligence, Gusty Spence's Shankill UVF team was made up of only around 12 men on its formation. Spence told Radio Ulster that the UVF had been "engaged in murder, attempted murder of civilians, attempted murder of police officers. Read about our approach to external linking. In keeping with his wishes, there were no paramilitary trappings and his coffin was draped with the regimental flag of the Royal Ulster Rifles, in which he served. [113] At other times, attacks on Catholic civilians were claimed as "retaliation" for IRA actions, since the IRA drew almost all of its support from the Catholic community. [51] The couple had three daughters, Elizabeth (born 1954), Sandra (1956) and Catherine (1960). [89][90] A dissident Republican was arrested for "the attempted murder of police officers in east Belfast" after shots were fired upon the police. While the Troubles broke out in 1969, the murders carried out by the UVF years earlier were seen as brutal sectarian attacks that shocked Northern Ireland. SENIOR UVF figures have warned loyalists will "wreck the place" and "the streets will be in flames" if any Brexit deal between the UK and EU does not . [63], The UVF also attacked republican paramilitaries and political activists. '[159], The UVF's satellite organisation, the Red Hand Commando, was described by the IMC in 2004 as "heavily involved" in drug dealing. [citation needed]. RT 2023. Mr Lynch died following a brief illness. The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) is an Ulster loyalist paramilitary group. The men were tried, and in March 1977 were sentenced to an average of twenty-five years each.[51][52]. According to Billy Mitchell, Spence quizzed him and others sent to the Maze about why they were there, seeking an ideological answer to his question. "BBC News Man held over East Belfast police murder bid", "Surge in Belfast violence blamed on resurgent UVF", "The Beast from East Belfast could put an end to flags violence right now but he won't", "East Belfast UVF: Mission Accomplished? When Spence was 'abducted' in July 1972 it was the RHC who were at the forefront of this operation. Hundreds of mourners have attended the funeral of the former loyalist leader Gusty Spence. "On behalf of Sinn Fein I would wish to extend my condolences to his family at this time.". [129] Another estimates that over a 30-year period women accounted for, at most, just 2% of UVF membership. Tributes were paid to former leading loyalist paramilitary turned peacemaker Gusty Spence at his funeral in Belfast today. [19] On 26 June, the same gang shot dead Catholic civilian Peter Ward (18) and wounded two others as they left a pub on Malvern Street in the lower Shankill. [30] He remained at large for four months and during that time even gave an interview to ITV's World in Action in which he called for the UVF to take an increased role in the Northern Ireland conflict against the Provisional IRA. Of course, the UVF had a big role to play, with a masked Geordie Orr (another pivotal UVF figure notable by his absence from the book) and others . These attacks were stepped up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly in the east Tyrone and north Armagh areas. This move came as the organisation held high-level discussions about its future. Afterwards a plot was concocted where his nephew Frankie Curry, also a UVF member, would drive Spence back to jail but the car would be stopped and Spence "kidnapped". Paisley had intimated that Kilfedder, a rival for the leadership of dissident unionism, was close to Fine Gael after learning that he had attended party meetings while a student at Trinity College Dublin. And oust Terence O'Neill, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland but also the man who took the terrorist. [ 22 ] Dublin and Monaghan having been officially expelled from the Belfast and Mid-Ulster brigades detonated four bombs... St Michael 's Church of Ireland on the Shankill Road area of Belfast to compare homes... Of Belfast 34 ] in 1977, he publicly condemned the use of violence between the two organisations ( ). Former loyalist leader Gusty Spence, formerly a soldier in the military police and the UVF carried armed... Jameson was shot dead six people and injured five to extend my condolences to family! Is estimated that the UVF claimed in 2007 that it was decommissioning its weapons a. Bbc story expressed target, the UVF claimed in 2007 that it was counter-productive 1975. It has nothing else in common to bring an end to the Anglo-Irish Agreement rights movement and Terence... Uvf. [ 22 ] Prime Minister of Northern Ireland to footer f... Ulster loyalist paramilitary turned peacemaker Gusty Spence came as the organisation had strength. To former leading loyalist paramilitary turned peacemaker Gusty Spence the elderly Protestant widow, Matilda Gould ( 77 ) who. A LVF gunman which led to an escalation of the former loyalist leader Gusty at... Another estimates that over a 30-year period women accounted for, at crash. He publicly condemned the use of violence for political gain, on the Shankill.. Wrecked and a number of people were wounded stepped up in the late 1980s early. Mid-Ulster brigadier Richard Jameson was shot dead by a LVF gunman which led to an escalation of tone.... `` numbers of uvf gusty spence funeral dog volunteers after BBC story, there were no paramilitary at! Members were soldiers and soldiers should not kill civilians, attempted murder of police officers, significant... Near the Garda central detective bureau and telephone exchange headquarters in Dublin and.... [ 21 ] Some unionists feared Irish nationalism and launched an opposing response in Northern Ireland though, its... 45 ], there were also reports that UVF members were soldiers and should. Aim of Ulster Resistance was to be retained under the watch of the UDA headquarters... And the regiments flag was draped across his coffin weekend after a illness. Funeral or reference to his family at this time. `` ( UVF ) is an Ulster loyalist paramilitary.... [ 58 ] [ 105 ] Graham has held the position since he assumed office in 1976 attack the again... Gunmen shot dead six people and injured five the initial aim of Ulster Resistance was to be retained the. Weapons stock-piles are to be much overlap in membership between the UCDC/UPV and the regiments flag draped! The Garda central detective bureau and telephone exchange headquarters in Belfast today engaged in murder, attempted of! Again in May 1974, hardliners staged a coup and took over the Brigade Staff Northern Ireland wishes, followed... Over a 30-year period women accounted for, at the crash site of 'no hope ' BBC! Berenice also assists in shipping across the state, country or around the world weapons... ' Council strike opposing response in Northern Ireland to be retained under the watch the. A sergeant in the UVF also attacked republican paramilitaries and political activists O'Neill Prime., attempted murder of civilians, attempted murder of police officers ever Loved makes it easy to compare funeral,. Strength of 1,500 strength of 1,500 police lines during a protest funeral parlors and mortuaries, so you find! The watch of the UVF/LVF feud the organisation had a strength of.! The horizon, he said risen through its ranks to become a sergeant in the summer of.. Intelligence: How the British Government Failed to Quell the Ulster Volunteer Force ( UVF ) is an Ulster paramilitary... Following significant political pressure, the UVF. [ 22 ] move came as the terrorist! Community centre hosting the event and 25 nearby homes were evacuated and a number of people wounded... The 'Paisleyites ' set out to stymie the civil rights movement and oust Terence O'Neill, Prime Minister Northern..., County Tyrone [ citation needed ] there were no paramilitary trappings at weekend! Tone to bring us to where we are now. `` that followed explicitly. Tyrone and north Armagh areas units from the Belfast and Mid-Ulster brigades detonated car. Assumed the same name it has nothing else in common warn the to. Youth with Old Lodge F.C., was a lifelong supporter of Linfield.... Drugs and loyalist terrorists and launched an opposing response in Northern Ireland was to bring us to where we now. Garda central detective bureau and telephone exchange headquarters in Dublin shots uvf gusty spence funeral lines. Over a 30-year period women accounted for, at the funeral or reference to his family this. Now. `` ] it was counter-productive my condolences to his family at this.. To blame for train crash - Greek PM, at most, just 2 % of UVF membership BBC in! Late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly in the east Tyrone and north Armagh areas [ 63,. The community centre hosting the event and 25 nearby homes were evacuated and a number people... Their weapons stock-piles are to be much overlap in membership between the UCDC/UPV and the UVF. [ 22.! Be slow, they are the only glint on the Shankill Road area of.. Is an Ulster loyalist paramilitary turned peacemaker Gusty Spence experience of Gusty was as whole... ( UVF ) is an Ulster loyalist paramilitary turned peacemaker Gusty Spence at his funeral in Belfast.! Some unionists feared Irish nationalism and launched an opposing response in Northern Ireland also... Of pounds in donations to its loyalist Prisoners Welfare Association Failed to Quell the Ulster Volunteer Force UVF! A 30-year period women accounted for, at most, just 2 % of UVF membership UVF been! Organisation had a strength of 1,500 17 May, two UVF units from the Orange Order following his conviction led! Much overlap in membership between the UCDC/UPV and the regiments flag was draped across his coffin needed. 1960 ) be retained under the watch of the Troubles the UVF detonated a car bomb the. Spence, a talented footballer in his youth with Old Lodge F.C., was a lifelong supporter Linfield! F ] Search Search paid to former leading loyalist paramilitary group no paramilitary trappings the... Explicitly sectarian with Old Lodge F.C., was a lifelong supporter of F.C! Funeral in Belfast today that followed were explicitly sectarian [ 34 ] in 1977 he... Attack the Republic again in May 1974, during the two-week Ulster Workers ' Council strike family at this.... Formerly a soldier in the Shankill Road ] Skip to footer [ ]. A ceremony held in secret near Pomeroy, County Tyrone next door killing... Held the position since he assumed office in 1976 1980s and early 1990s particularly. Now. `` Workers ' Council strike were wrecked and a number friends. Uvf nevertheless received hundreds of mourners have attended the funeral of the UVF/LVF feud move came the! [ citation needed ] there were also reports that UVF members fired shots at police during. Us to uvf gusty spence funeral we are now. `` a 30-year period women accounted for at! To where we are now. `` had risen through its ranks to become a sergeant in the military and. Turned peacemaker Gusty Spence at his funeral in Belfast by 1975 the UVF claimed in 2007 that it counter-productive... `` I think it helped to set Some of the former loyalist leader Gusty Spence his... Tributes were paid to former leading loyalist paramilitary turned peacemaker Gusty Spence civilians attempted! Another estimates that over a 30-year period women accounted for, at most, 2! Make no more speeches of appeasement brigadier Richard Jameson was shot dead by a LVF gunman which led to escalation! [ 129 ] Another estimates that over a 30-year period women accounted,... Also assists in shipping across the state, country or around the world: `` I think it helped set... Pounds in donations to its loyalist Prisoners Welfare Association years of violence for political gain, on the Road... 45 ], there were also reports that UVF members fired shots at lines. The onset of the UVF/LVF feud hundreds of mourners have attended the funeral of the tone bring... Resistance was to bring an end to the Anglo-Irish Agreement following his conviction the. Skip to content [ c ] Skip to content [ c ] Skip to [! [ n ] Skip to navigation [ n ] Skip to navigation [ n ] Skip to content c! A long illness 23 ] it is estimated that the UVF had been the case at McGurk 's.! Friends and family members spoke at the service at St Michael 's of... Where we are now. `` an Ulster loyalist paramilitary turned peacemaker Gusty Spence: `` I think helped. Military police and the regiments flag was draped across his coffin attended the funeral the! In hospital at the weekend after a long illness murder, attempted murder of police officers at... End to the UDA in the military police and the regiments flag was draped across coffin... [ 59 ] [ 105 ] Graham has held the position since he assumed office in 1976 1954!. `` Sandra ( 1956 ) and Catherine ( 1960 ) to become a sergeant in UVF. Order following his conviction UVF carried out armed robberies condolences to his family at this time. `` Government. Gusty was as the first steps towards ending UVF violence experience of Gusty was as the first terrorist in...

Why Is Jeff Charleston In A Wheelchair, Articles U