Auxiliary Division

Auxiliary Division
Badge of the Auxiliary Division (F Company)
Active	July 1920 – April 1922
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Type	Paramilitary
Role	Counter-insurgency
Size	2,264 [1]
Part of	Royal Irish Constabulary
Engagements	Irish War of Independence Kilmichael Ambush Drumcondra ambush Clonfin Ambush Coolavokig ambush Crossbarry Ambush Burning of the Custom House Rathcoole ambush
Commanders
Notable commanders	Frank Percy Crozier

The Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary (ADRIC), generally known as the Auxiliaries or Auxies, was a paramilitary unit of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) during the Irish War of Independence. It was founded in July 1920 by Major-General Henry Hugh Tudor and made up of former British Army officers, most of whom came from Great Britain and had fought in the First World War. Almost 2,300 served in the unit during the conflict. Its role was to conduct counter-insurgency operations against the Irish Republican Army (IRA), acting mainly as a mobile striking and raiding force. It operated semi-independently of the RIC and was mainly deployed to southern and western regions where fighting was heaviest.

The Auxiliaries became infamous for reprisal attacks on civilians and civilian property in revenge for IRA actions, including extrajudicial killings and arson; most notably the burning of Cork city in December 1920.

The Auxiliaries were distinct from the so-called Black and Tans. These were also former British soldiers who were recruited into the RIC, but served as regular constables. Both groups wore a mixed uniform of British Army khaki and RIC dark green, although the Auxiliaries had their own insignia and typically wore Balmoral caps. The Auxiliaries and the RIC as a whole were disbanded in early 1922, following the Anglo-Irish Treaty.