ABSTRACT
The original deployment of the British Army onto the streets of Northern Ireland in 1969 was always intended to be of limited duration. The deployment was expected to be a short term measure, maintained until the deteriorating security situation has been reversed and the normal workings of civil government restored.1 As it turned out, of course, Northern Ireland was for a generation to become the Army’s ‘biggest operational commitment’2 with nearly 500 army personnel giving their lives in the attempt to stabilise the province.3 Following the Belfast Agreement of 1998, however, it could be argued that the British Army has fulfilled its purpose in the province.
