This page will be solely dedicated to the Veterans of the Ulster Defence Regiment CGC. Experts estimate that in 2005 there were 58,000 Ulster Defence Regiment CGC ex-service personnel, along with what must be another 250,000 family members. Approximately 300,000 people abandoned. Veterans links which are applicable to all veterans can be found HERE. However this page will deal solely with UDR Veterans issues. Please visit regularly.
Following The Ulster Defence Regiment Act 1969 and a short period of recruiting and training, The Ulster Defence Regiment CGC (UDR) became operational on 1 April 1970. Although still under strength, the UDR on formation consisted of the following battalions:
1st (County Antrim) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Ballymena 2nd (County Armagh) Battalion: Battalion HQ - Armagh 3rd (County Down) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Ballykinler 4th (County Fermanagh) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Enniskillen 5th (County Londonderry) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Londonderry 6th (County Tyrone) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Omagh 7th (City of Belfast) Battalion; Battalion HQ - Holywood The Battalions' titles were abbreviated to their number followed by 'UDR' so that, for example, the 1st Battalion The Ulster Defence Regiment's short title was 1 UDR. Operation BANNER saw the UDR serve for twenty-two years through the dark days of the 'Troubles', a period of unmatched, unbroken operational service. In total, between 1 April 1970 and 30 June 1992, 197 UDR serving members were killed, with a further 61 killed after they had resigned or retired from the UDR Terrorists also seriously wounded 444 men and women of The Ulster Defence Regiment. The men and women of the UDR were merged with the Royal Irish Rangers in 1992 to form a unique regiment of the British Army, The Royal Irish Regiment, with Regular and Part-Time service personnel in its Home Service battalions. On the 6 October 2006, Her Majesty The Queen awarded The Royal Irish Regiment the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in recognition of the bravery, sacrifice and service of the Home Service battalions of The Royal Irish Regiment and their forebears, The Ulster Defence Regiment. Lest we forget all those who lost their lives murdered by SF/IRA
Living, working and socialising in the communities they served throughout the Troubles, the men and women of the Ulster Defence Regiment CGC were viewed as easy targets by terrorists.
They paid a heavy price for their dedicated service, with more than 200 making the ultimate sacrifice and hundreds more injured or traumatised.
Many have suffered in silence, or fallen on hard times since the regiment was consigned to the history books in 1992, but a new campaign has been a launched to raise awareness of a range of valuable help available.
The UDR Benevolent Fund is designed to provide support for former members, their families and dependants who are in need. It was established in 1972 to ensure those who served would be looked after in the years to come.
Chairman Wesley Duncan has appealed for anyone who knows of a former UDR member in need to either contact the Benevolent Fund on their behalf, or to pass on the relevant contact information.
Search the Roll of Honour database on the UDR AfterCare site
"You're not in the Army Now,( Charities Information Site ) Northern Ireland.Email: admin@veteranservicesni.com
Veteran Services N.I. Charity Information site, aim is to signpost both Serving and retired members of the Armed Forces with practical help and advice with regards to Post Trauma Stress Disorder, (PTSD), War Pensions, benefits, housing, Medals, Funerals, and much more. It is Northern Ireland based, but is open to all Servicemen and women North and South. Please FOLLOW THIS LINK
