Royal Ulster Constabulary
The Royal Ulster Constabulary
The Royal Ulster Constabulary were formed at the same time as the nation of Northern Ireland in 1922.
Over the years they served the entire population in a fair and honest way however the R.U.C. were always been looked upon by those who wish to destroy Northern Ireland as enemies and between 11th October 1969 and 6th October 1998 there were 302 officers murdered by terrorists.
On 23rd November 1999 the George Cross was awarded to the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
The citation for the award was as follows:-
"For the past 30 years, the Royal Ulster Constabulary has been the bulwark against, and the main target of, a sustained and brutal terrorism campaign. The force has suffered heavily in protecting both sides of the community from danger - 302 officers have been killed in the line of duty and thousands more have been injured, many seriously. Many officers have been ostracised by their own community and others have been forced to leave their homes in the face of threats to them and their families.
As Northern Ireland reaches a turning point in its political development this award is made to recognise the collective courage and dedication to duty of all those who have served in the Royal Ulster Constabulary and who have accepted the danger and stress this brought to them and their families"
On Wednesday 12th April 2000 the George Cross was presented to the Royal Ulster Constabulary by Her Majesty The Queen accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland.