CONFIDENTIAL
2ND DRAFT
Since January 1974 567 awards for gallantry have been made to
British forces personnel in Northern Ireland.
34. The weakening of the terrorist forces in Belfast and Londonderry
in particular, and the successive arrests of many of their leaders,
has compelled a re-direction of terrorist activities to the rural
and border areas, with the use of bombs and booby-traps mainly
against the Security Forces. During the year a number of unapproved
border crossing points have been effectively blocked.
35. The careful gathering of intelligence, as a result of increasing
co-operation from the public, has contributed greatly to the Armed
Forces' success.
This essential co-operation continues despite
instances of intimidation, for example in the form of "punishment"
shootings of suspected informers. Close surveillance has been
maintained on areas where terrorists or their munitions are likely
to be, and likely supply routes intercepted.
36. The Royal Military Police, whose second Regiment was formed
during 1974, has provided invaluable support, as have the other
Services. All three United Kingdom-based Royal Marines Commandos
have undertaken peace-keeping duties in the infantry role and, in
1973,40 Commando RM was awarded a Wilkinson "Sword of Peace" in
recognition of efforts to further community relations in Belfast.
In 1974, this award went to the First Battalion, Prince of Wales'
Own Regiment of Yorkshire. Ships of the Fleet, together with Royal
Air Force long-range rescue craft, maintain anti-gun-running patrols.
Royal Navy boat patrols also operate in Lough Carlingford and
Lough Foyle.
Royal Air Force helicopters give valuable support in
operational situations.
The Royal Air Force Regiment Squadrons have
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CONFIDENTIAL
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