Historical Events tagged with "loyalist"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Assassination of Billy Wright in Northern Ireland

December 27th, 1997 27 years ago

Billy Wright, a Protestant paramilitary leader, was assassinated in a prison in Northern Ireland. He was shot dead by members of a rival terrorist organization, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), while serving a life sentence for several murders. The assassination heightened tensions between loyalist and republican factions and had significant implications for Northern Ireland's ongoing conflict.

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Military & Warfare

Michael Stone Attacks Provisional IRA Funeral

March 16th, 1988 37 years ago

Michael Stone, an Ulster loyalist militant, launched an assault on a Provisional IRA funeral in Belfast using pistols and grenades. The attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a member of the Provisional IRA, and over 60 injuries among attendees, making it a significant incident amidst the ongoing sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.

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Military & Warfare

Kingsmill Massacre in Northern Ireland

January 5th, 1976 49 years ago

Gunmen stopped a minibus in County Armagh, shot ten Protestant civilians, allegedly as retaliation for previous Loyalist attacks on Catholics. This incident took place near the village of Kingsmill amidst rising tensions between communities. The attack was carried out by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), marking a significant moment in the violent conflict known as The Troubles.

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Military & Warfare

Ulster Volunteer Force vs. Irish Republican Army

May 21st, 1966 58 years ago

The Ulster Volunteer Force declared a campaign against the Irish Republican Army, signaling increased tensions in Northern Ireland. This announcement came during a time when sectarian violence was intensifying in the region, with the UVF vowing to combat the IRA's activities. The declaration marked a significant escalation in the efforts by loyalist paramilitaries to counter perceived threats from republican groups advocating for Irish nationalism.

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Crime & Law

Sectarian Murders in Arnon Street, Belfast

April 1st, 1922 103 years ago

Six Catholics were murdered in Arnon Street, Belfast, a week following the McMahon killings. The violence was part of the ongoing sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland, as tensions escalated between nationalist and unionist communities amid the recent establishment of Northern Ireland. The killings highlighted the rising danger for Catholics during this tumultuous period. Believed to be linked to loyalist paramilitary groups, the murders sent shockwaves through the local population and intensified fears of further violence.

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Military & Warfare

Loyalist Militia Defeated at Moore's Creek Bridge

February 27th, 1776 249 years ago

The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge occurred near Wilmington, North Carolina, as Patriot forces decisively defeated a Loyalist militia on February 27, 1776. Led by Colonel James Moore, the Patriot troops utilized the element of surprise and strategic advantage of the terrain to ambush the Loyalists. This confrontation marked a significant early victory for the Patriot cause, disrupting Loyalist plans in the region and bolstering Patriot morale ahead of the larger conflicts to come.

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Military & Warfare

Norfolk Destroyed in Revolutionary War Action

January 1st, 1776 249 years ago

Norfolk, Virginia, experienced significant destruction when British naval forces collaborated with Loyalist militia in a campaign to secure the region against American forces. The attack was part of broader British efforts to regain control over rebellious colonies. In the course of the assault, key buildings, including homes and military installations, were set ablaze, leaving much of the city in ruins and displacing its inhabitants.

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Military & Warfare

Loyalists Defeated at the Battle of Great Bridge

December 9th, 1775 249 years ago

At the Battle of Great Bridge, British troops and Loyalist forces faced off against Patriot militias. Miscommunication regarding the size of the Patriot forces led to a significant defeat for the British and Loyalists. The battle took place in Virginia and marked a crucial turning point, effectively ending British control in the region. Local militia units outnumbered the Loyalist troops, showcasing the strength of Patriot sentiment in Virginia.

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