Note From Black and Tans

Addressed to the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, the text of this typed carbon copy reads as follows:

“Last Warning
Take Notice
If the two constables who were kidnapped at R..NE (Ruan ?) on the morning of the 18th inst. are not returned by 12 midnight 21st to Ennis, those who have received such notices are prepared to meet their God’
(signed)
BLACK AND TAN ”

In 1920, during the Irish War of Independence, the British Government recruited a new auxiliary constabulary to help build up numbers of Police around the country.

The Black and Tans were ex-service men and were paid ‘ten shillings a day’. They were recruited from England and were named after the mixed police\military uniforms they wore. An Auxiliary Division, consisting of 2,200 ex-army officers was recruited in London in the same manner.

The Black and Tans and the Auxiliaries are remembered for their tough counter-insurgency tactics, which included at times terrorising the general population. These tactics were often counter productive resulting in increased support for the IRA.

During the War of Independence, the Old Ground Hotel was used as a meeting place by the IRA. With mounting frustration at kidnappings and ambushes of their members, the Black and Tans and RIC ransacked the building and burned most of the furniture on the lawn.

The Black and Tans
War of Independence Collection

Ref: 2000.18