Special Reconnaissance Unit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Special Reconnaissance Unit |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1972–2005 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Type | Commando |
| Role | Air assault Clandestine human intelligence Clandestine operation Close-quarters combat Counterinsurgency Counterintelligence Counterterrorism Covert operation Direct action HUMINT Intelligence assessment Manhunt Military intelligence Patrolling Raiding Reconnaissance Special operations Special reconnaissance Surveillance Tracking Undercover operation Urban warfare |
| Part of | United Kingdom Special Forces |
| Headquarters | RAF Aldergrove, Northern Ireland |
| Engagements | Operation Banner (The Troubles) |
The Special Reconnaissance Unit was a secret part of the British Army. It was also known as the 14 Field Security and Intelligence Company. People inside the unit called it "The Det".
This unit worked in Northern Ireland from the 1970s until 2005. Its main job was to gather information. They did this by working in plain clothes, meaning they didn't wear military uniforms.
Contents
What the SRU Did
The Special Reconnaissance Unit carried out secret observation missions. They watched people suspected of being involved with groups causing trouble in Northern Ireland. These groups included both Irish republican and loyalist paramilitary groups.
The soldiers in the SRU were chosen from other army units. They went through a special eight-week training course. This training was given by the Special Air Service (SAS), which is another special forces unit. The first group of 120 soldiers started their work in November 1972.
Their tasks included:
- Gathering secret information.
- Watching people and places (surveillance).
- Tracking down individuals.
- Working undercover.
- Helping to stop rebellions.
In 1987, the unit became part of the new United Kingdom Special Forces group. In 2005, the SRU became the Special Reconnaissance Regiment.
Before the SRU: The MRF
The Special Reconnaissance Unit, also known as 14 Intelligence Company, took over from an earlier unit called the Military Reaction Force (MRF).
Anyone serving in the British armed forces could try to join 14 Intelligence Company. This was important because, for the first time, women could become members of a UK Special Forces unit.
To join, candidates had to pass a very tough selection process. This process was designed to find people who could handle secret undercover missions. For example, in one selection course, 1000 people applied, but only 17 were chosen to go to Northern Ireland.
Secret Name of the SRU
The name "Special Reconnaissance Unit" was kept secret in the 1970s. In April 1974, a special note for Prime Minister Harold Wilson explained this.
The note said that the SRU operated in Northern Ireland under a cover name. This name was "Northern Ireland Training and Advisory Teams (Northern Ireland)" or NITAT(NI). This made it seem like they were just regular training teams.
How the SRU Was Organized
People who claimed to be former members of the unit described its structure. It had a main base in Great Britain. It also had four working teams in Northern Ireland.
- Main Detachment: This was the headquarters, located at RAF Aldergrove.
- East Detachment: Based at Palace Barracks in Belfast.
- North Detachment: Located at Ballykelly, County Londonderry.
- South Detachment: Based in Fermanagh.
Soldiers from all parts of the British Armed Forces were trained in different places in Great Britain. Both men and women volunteered for these special duties. They would serve for 18 to 36 months. After that, they would return to their original army units.
Trained surveillance operators could volunteer to return to the SRU later. They might even get chances to work in leadership or training roles within the unit.
Weapons Used by the SRU
The Special Reconnaissance Unit used many different types of firearms. These were used while the unit was active.
- Browning Hi Power pistol
- Walther P5 pistol
- Walther PPK pistol (often used as a backup or by female operatives)
- Heckler & Koch MP5K sub-machine gun
- Heckler & Koch HK33 (a type of carbine)
- Heckler & Koch G3KA4 rifle
Members Who Died in Service
Some members of the Special Reconnaissance Unit died while serving.
- 14 April 1974 – Captain Anthony Pollen was killed in Derry.
- 14 December 1977 – Corporal Paul Harman was killed in west Belfast.
- 11 August 1978 – Lance Corporal Alan Swift was killed in Derry.
- 6 May 1979 – Sergeant Robert Maughan was killed in Lisnaskea.
- 21 February 1984 – Sergeant Paul Oram was killed in Dunloy, Ballymoney.
- 19 March 1988 – Corporals Derek Wood and David Howes were killed in Belfast.
See also
- Military Reaction Force
- Force Research Unit
- United Kingdom Special Forces
