WHYTE'S THE ECLECTIC COLLECTOR 5 MAY 2018

History THE ECLECTIC COLLECTOR · 5 MAY 2018 AT 11AM 160 1969 Battle of the Bogside, Royal Ulster Constabulary riot helmet and gas mask. A black RUC ‘Skulgarde’ helmet with metal badge and Enniskillen Depot label to interior; together with a gas mask of a type issued to the RUC; also a truncheon. Provenance: Collection Mr Patrick O’Hagan, Belfast. The 1969 Apprentice Boys parade didn’t enter the nationalist Bogside area of Derry but it skirted close enough for exchanges of stones thrown between Catholic and Protestant groups. The exchanges quickly intensified and the RUC attempted to drive the Catholics back towards the Bogside. A barricade on Rossville Street became the interface between the two sides with the RUC encouraging Protestant youths to fire slingshots across while officers attempted to remove the barrier. Stones and petrol bombs were rained down on the RUC from the buildings above. As the barricade was breeched civilians rushed in with the RUC raising fears of attacks on homes in the Bogside. The riots lasted three days during which Free Derry was declared in the Bogside. Of the 59 RUC officers involved in the initial exchanges, 43 were injured. James Chichester-Clarke, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland requested that the Army be deployed on the streets of Derry. It was the first deployment of British troops in the Northern Ireland Troubles. The British troops were at first welcomed by the Bogside residents as a neutral force compared to the police and especially the B-Specials. Estimate €200-€300 approx (£170-£260 approx.) Click Here for Large Images & To Bid 160 161 Royal Ulster Constabulary riot helmet A black RUC ‘Skulgarde’ helmet with decal RUC badge and visor. Reputed to have been worn in the Divis Street riots, 1969. Provenance: Collection Mr Patrick O’Hagan, Belfast. Estimate €150-€200 approx (£130-£170 approx.) Click Here for Large Images & To Bid 161