# Paper Trail (Legacy Archive Research)

> Make History. Follow the Paper Trail.


## Posts

- [Andy Tyrie: The Anatomy of Collusion and the Murder of Anthony Davidson](https://www.papertrail.pro/andy-tyrie-collusion-murder-anthony-davidson/): The 1972 murder of a young, married father of two, Anthony Davidson, lays bare British state collusion with Andy Tyrie, Loyalist paramilitary leader. Secret British Army files from the bloodiest month of the conflict prove that Andy Tyrie, the Supreme Commander of the Ulster Defence Association for 15 years, was a British state agent. In these files that Paper Trail has tracked and fought for over the last 9 years, Tyrie admitted his men’s involvement in several murders, including the murder of Anthony Davidson, told the authorities the names of his men involved, and even asked for the return of […]
- [The 'Wave' of UVF False Flag Bombs that Blew Paisley Into Office](https://www.papertrail.pro/wave-of-false-flag-bombs-for-paisley/): False Flag Bombs of British extremists covered up by the British state. March-April 1969: a series of bomb attacks on the electrical and water infrastructure of Northern Ireland were blamed on the Irish Republican Army (IRA). They were actually false flag attacks carried out by Loyalist members of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and the Ulster Protestant Volunteers (UPV), closely associated with the sectarian firebrand, Reverend Ian Paisley. The state broadcaster (BBC Spotlight) alleged that Paisley helped finance the bombings, never mind providing cover for them and politically benefitting from them. In the words of the Northern Ireland Prime Minister […]
- [Watch: Andy Tyrie - Paramilitary to Peacemaker](https://www.papertrail.pro/watch-andy-tyrie-paramilitary-to-peacemaker/): Watch Paper Trail’s recent videos on Andy Tyrie, Loyalist paramilitary and Supreme Commander of the Ulster Defence Association. Andy Tyrie, a name that evokes a complex legacy in Northern Ireland’s troubled history, recently passed away. While he was remembered as a peacemaker in his later years, it is crucial to remember his victims too. Tyrie was the Supreme Commander of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) during one of the most violent and turbulent periods in Belfast’s history. Under his command, the UDA was responsible for the deaths of over 300 civilians, mostly Catholic. Yet, despite this staggering toll, the British […]
- [Great Support Again From Irish American Unity Conference](https://www.papertrail.pro/great-support-again-from-irish-american-unity-conference/): Thank you once again to the Irish American Unity Conference (IAUC). The Irish American Unity Conference (IAUC), the internationally renowned non-profit organisation working for justice and peace in Ireland, has again recognised the work of Paper Trail with a donation to the charity. Paper Trail gets great support from PEACEPLUS and Victims and Survivors Service but this additional support from the IAUC is massive to our charity. Paper Trail is a micro-charity and Ciarán MacAirt its sole employee, so it does not have the capacity or financial resources of larger charities and NGOs supporting victims and survivors of the conflict […]
- [The British Prime Minister and his Killer Gang - MRF](https://www.papertrail.pro/british-prime-minister-killer-gang-mrf/): What the British Prime Minister was told about his killer gang, the Military Reaction Force (MRF). Paper Trail is publishing a secret minute and comprehensive note to the Prime Minister, Edward Heath, in late November 1972. These regard the history, formation and eventual rolling up of the unit. The MRF left in its wake a trail of murder and mayhem. Paper Trail documented many of these crimes in its publication, Shooters: Britain’s Military Reaction Force, which redacted the names of its killers and handed the unredacted files to police investigating another murder. Files on seven former British soldiers were sent to […]
- [In the Dock: Britain's MRF Death Squad](https://www.papertrail.pro/in-the-dock-britains-mrf-death-squad/): Families have received news that former soldiers from Britain’s covert Military Reaction Force (MRF) are due in court charged with murder and attempted murders. Watch the UTV News Report on the MRF Defendants Paper Trail works with a number of victims of this death squad and submitted our own evidence to the authorities due to the ongoing failure of PSNI’s Operation Everson. The secret files proved that MRF deliberately targeted civilians including teens. The British armed forces including the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) covered up these heinous crimes. Read Murder and Mayhem – Britain’s MRF and Operation Everson The secret […]
- [In Memoriam Niall Ó Murchú](https://www.papertrail.pro/in-memoriam-niall-o-murchu/): Paper Trail marks the untimely passing of its Chair and our great friend, Niall Ó Murchú, today, the 26th November 2024. Niall was a Gael from Ardoyne in North Belfast. He loved his country and its people. He immersed himself throughout his life in our Gaelic language, culture and sports. At the heart of this community for him and his family was Ciceam Ard Eoin (Ardoyne Kickhams GAA Club) although his spoken Gaeilge had a distinct Donegal twang as the Murphys have long had roots in that county. Niall applied himself to different career paths including law and teaching, although […]
- [Kingsmill Massacre: The Secret British Army Files](https://www.papertrail.pro/kingsmill-massacre-secret-british-army-files/): Massacre at Kingsmill: The Secret British Army Files The Kingsmill Massacre was one of the most vicious, nakedly sectarian attacks of the conflict. A man waving a red light stopped a work van on a cold night and lonely Kingsmill road outside Whitecross, County Armagh. Armed men with blackened faces, wearing camo-gear, surrounded it. They ordered the workers out of the van and told them to line up, face it, and place their hands on the side. They asked which one was the Catholic. Only one of the 12 men was. The rest were Protestant. The workers thought that their […]
- [Michael Leonard: Attorney General Orders New Inquest](https://www.papertrail.pro/michael-leonard-attorney-general-new-inquest/): Attorney General Orders New Inquest into the RUC Murder of Donegal Civilian, Michael Leonard In a landmark decision, the Attorney General for Northern Ireland has ordered a new inquest into the police murder of Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard in 1973. The Attorney General’s decision was given to Michael’s family on the day before Britain’s Legacy Act would stop all conflict-related inquests. The Attorney General, Brenda King, ordered the new inquest having taken into account: “(1) The original inquest did not receive oral evidence from any of the police officers involved in the incident; (2) The inquest verdict of misadventure; (3) […]
- [British Authorities Denied and Delayed in Murder of Civilian](https://www.papertrail.pro/civilian-murder-british-state-denied-delayed/): The family of Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard, who was shot and killed by a Royal Ulster Constabulary patrol in 1973, held an hour-long meeting with officials from the Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (Omagh, Wednesday 1st February 2023).
- [Webinar: Introducing Our Free Online Courses](https://www.papertrail.pro/webinar-introducing-our-free-online-courses/): Help Paper Trail and the campaign group research the secret files around the deployment of CR Gas and the Burning of Long Kesh on 15th October 1974
- [Prison Protests: International Committee of the Red Cross](https://www.papertrail.pro/prison-blanket-protests-red-cross/): Help Paper Trail and the campaign group research the secret files around the deployment of CR Gas and the Burning of Long Kesh on 15th October 1974
- [Attorney General Orders New Inquest into the Murder of Fermanagh Civilian, Jim Murphy](https://www.papertrail.pro/new-inquest-murder-of-jim-murphy/): The Office of the Police Ombudsman to Investigate Murder of Civilian, Jim Murphy, although it will not commence until April 2027 due to lack of resources.
- [The Killer Kings Regiment - Paper Trail Investigates](https://www.papertrail.pro/killer-kings-regiment-paper-trail-investigates/): The Killer King’s Regiment of the British Army. Paper Trail investigates the Killer Kings who left a trail of devastation in their wake when they left West Belfast at the end of the terrible summer of ’72. A few weeks after Stormont collapsed in March 1972, the North of Ireland erupted in a spasm of violence that spiraled ever downwards until we stared over a precipice in July – the bloodiest month of the bloodiest year of the conflict. In late April, the King’s Regiment of the British Army began its 4-month tour of duty in the Springfield area of […]
- [Prison Protests: Legacy Archives](https://www.papertrail.pro/prison-protests-the-legacy-archives/): Help Paper Trail and the campaign group research the secret files around the deployment of CR Gas and the Burning of Long Kesh on 15th October 1974
- [Michael Leonard: Army Commander Informed of RUC Murder](https://www.papertrail.pro/michael-leonard-army-commander-informed/): The family of Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard, who was shot and killed by a Royal Ulster Constabulary patrol in 1973, held an hour-long meeting with officials from the Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (Omagh, Wednesday 1st February 2023).
- [Tony Campbell Remembers His Sister, Martha - Ballymurphy March](https://www.papertrail.pro/tony-campbell-remembers-his-sister-martha/): Tony Campbell remembers his sister Martha on the 50th anniversary of her murder by the Killer Kings Regiment of the British Army.
- [McGurk's Bar Massacre: Police Ombudsman Withheld Fingerprint Evidence from Families](https://www.papertrail.pro/massacre-police-ombudsman-withheld-fingerprint/): The Office of the Police Ombudsman to Investigate Murder of Civilian, Jim Murphy, although it will not commence until April 2027 due to lack of resources.
- [British Soldiers, British Agents and the UDA's Romper Rooms](https://www.papertrail.pro/british-soldiers-british-agents-uda-romper/): Help Paper Trail and the campaign group research the secret files around the deployment of CR Gas and the Burning of Long Kesh on 15th October 1974
- [Police Ombudsman to Investigate Murder of Civilian Jim Murphy](https://www.papertrail.pro/police-ombudsman-jim-murphy-jim-murphy/): The Office of the Police Ombudsman to Investigate Murder of Civilian, Jim Murphy, although it will not commence until April 2027 due to lack of resources.
- [CR Gas and the Burning of Long Kesh: Research Secret Files](https://www.papertrail.pro/cr-gas-and-the-burning-of-long-kesh/): Help Paper Trail and the campaign group research the secret files around the deployment of CR Gas and the Burning of Long Kesh on 15th October 1974
- [IAUC Irish-American Human Rights Recognition for Paper Trail](https://www.papertrail.pro/iauc-irish-american-human-rights-group-recognises-work-of-paper-trail/): Renowned human rights group, Irish American Unity Conference (IAUC) has recognised the work of Paper Trail in the run-up to St. Patrick’s Day.
- [Michael Leonard Murder: Family of RUC Victim Launch New Report in Leinster House](https://www.papertrail.pro/michael-leonard-new-report-leinster-house/): The family of Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard, who was shot and killed by a Royal Ulster Constabulary patrol in 1973, held an hour-long meeting with officials from the Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (Omagh, Wednesday 1st February 2023).
- [Family of RUC Murder Victim Michael Leonard Meet Tánaiste](https://www.papertrail.pro/leonard-family-meet-tanaiste/): The family of Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard, who was shot and killed by a Royal Ulster Constabulary patrol in 1973, held an hour-long meeting with officials from the Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (Omagh, Wednesday 1st February 2023).
- [New Lodge Six Massacre: 50th Anniversary](https://www.papertrail.pro/new-lodge-six-massacre-50th-anniversary/): The 3rd - 4th February this year marks the 50th anniversary of the New Lodge Six Massacre by 1st Battalion Queen's Regiment of the British Army.
- [Leonard Murder by RUC: Family of Donegal Civilian Meets Irish Officials](https://www.papertrail.pro/leonard-murder-family-meets-irish-officials/): The family of Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard, who was shot and killed by a Royal Ulster Constabulary patrol in 1973, held an hour-long meeting with officials from the Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (Omagh, Wednesday 1st February 2023).
- [The Battle of St. Matthew's - Read the British Army Files](https://www.papertrail.pro/the-battle-of-st-matthews-british-army-files/): Read the British Army files relating to the Battle of St. Matthews in June 1971, a weekend of misery and mayhem many consider a turning point in the conflict.
- [Bloody Friday - Missing Warnings and Missed Opportunities to Save Lives](https://www.papertrail.pro/bloody-friday-the-missing-warnings/): Bloody Friday - one of the most devastating days during the conflict. Victims and survivors can read the new evidence we discovered here.
- [Francis Arthurs: A Forgotten Victim](https://www.papertrail.pro/francis-arthurs-a-forgotten-victim/): In memory of Francis Arthurs, abducted and murdered 50 years ago.
- [New Evidence in RUC Murder of Donegal Civilian](https://www.papertrail.pro/new-evidence-in-ruc-murder-of-donegal-civilian/): Paper Trail has discovered new evidence which proves that the RUC deliberately targeted and killed Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard in 1973.
- [Bloody Friday - New Evidence for Victims and Survivors](https://www.papertrail.pro/bloody-friday-new-evidence-victims-survivors/): Bloody Friday - one of the most devastating days during the conflict. Victims and survivors can read the new evidence we discovered here.
- [Remember Martha Campbell, Schoolgirl](https://www.papertrail.pro/remember-martha-campbell-schoolgirl/): Tony Campbell remembers his sister Martha on the 50th anniversary of her murder by the Killer Kings Regiment of the British Army.
- [50th Anniversary: The Murder of Robert McMullan](https://www.papertrail.pro/50th-anniversary-murder-of-robert-mcmullan/): On the 50th anniversary of the murder of father of four, Robert McMullan, the family releases disturbing new evidence.
- [50th Anniversary: The Murder of Patrick McVeigh](https://www.papertrail.pro/patrick-mcveigh-murder-50th-anniversary/): The daughter of Patrick McVeigh, Patricia, writes about the murder of her father on the 50th anniversary, recounting the family's campaign.
- [Murder and Mayhem in May 1972](https://www.papertrail.pro/murder-mayhem-may-1972/): The daughter of Patrick McVeigh, Patricia, writes about the murder of her father on the 50th anniversary, recounting the family's campaign.
- [The McMahon Family Murders - 100 Years Ago](https://www.papertrail.pro/the-mcmahon-family-murders-100-years-ago/): A short article commemorating the McMahon Family Murders on the 100th anniversary of the alleged police atrocity.
- [British Military Intelligence on the Murder of Billy Hanna](https://www.papertrail.pro/british-military-intelligence-on-the-murder-of-billy-hanna/): Read a secret British Military Intelligence file and logs on the murder of Billy Hanna
- [Northern Ireland's Silent Defenders?](https://www.papertrail.pro/northern-irelands-silent-defenders/): Who were the Silent Defenders? Secret British military archives name them although all may not be what seems to be.
- [Supreme Court Confirms PSNI Failings in Investigating Murder of Jean](https://www.papertrail.pro/jean-murder-supreme-court-confirms-psni-failing/):  Supreme Court confirms PSNI failings in case of murder of West Belfast woman Jean Smyth-Campbell, murdered by British Armed Forces in Ireland in 1972.
- [Family of Michael Leonard Meet with Department of Foreign Affairs](https://www.papertrail.pro/leonard-family-department-of-foreign-affairs/): Fermanagh and Omagh District Council voted to support the family of Michael Leonard who was murdered by the police in 1973.
- [Council Support for the Family of Michael Leonard](https://www.papertrail.pro/council-support-family-of-michael-leonard/): Fermanagh and Omagh District Council voted to support the family of Michael Leonard who was murdered by the police in 1973.
- [Time for Truth Campaign National Day of Action](https://www.papertrail.pro/time-for-truth-national-day-of-action/): The families of the Time for Truth Campaign mobilized for a National Day of Action against Britain's amnesty proposals.
- [The Killing of Marian Brown](https://www.papertrail.pro/the-killing-of-marian-brown/): The killing of teenager Marian Brown is recorded as the prosaic “Mulhouse Shooting” in secret British Military archives. The mill on Mulhouse Street had been taken over by the British Army as barracks. Three other unarmed teenagers were also hit in the shooting including Thomas Corrigan, Marian’s boyfriend, her sister and another local teenager. Their friends who dived for cover were also very lucky not to be hit. “Mulhouse Shooting” does not cover the horror of that night. Marian died at Roden Street/Grosvenor Road, Belfast, in June 1972, after being shot in the neck and body. The British army blamed […]
- [Did William Craig Fake His Own Assassination Attempt?](https://www.papertrail.pro/did-william-craig-fake-assassination-attempt/): Who tried to assassinate William Craig in October 1972?
- [Internment Files Released for 50th Anniversary](https://www.papertrail.pro/internment-files-released-50th-anniversary/): New Evidence: Operation Demetrius and Internment August 9th sees the 50th anniversary of the launch of Operation Demetrius, the British Army operation of mass arrest and internment without trial of Irish Catholics suspected by the British authorities of being involved in the Irish Republican Army. Most were not. If ever proof was needed that the conflict could not be solved by military and legal means alone, Operation Demetrius and Internment stands as a warning to future generations. Far from quelling what the British portrayed as localized unrest, the introduction of Internment on the 9th August 1971 plunged the north of […]
- [Podcast 8: Gerry Fitt - Snake in the Grass?](https://www.papertrail.pro/podcast-8-gerry-fitt-snake-in-the-grass/): In this Paper Trail Pro Podcast, Ciarán MacAirt discovers some of Westminster's dirty secrets and asks was Gerry Fitt a Snake in the Grass?
- [Bloody Friday in the News](https://www.papertrail.pro/bloody-friday-news/): Bloody Friday - one of the most devastating days during the conflict. Victims and survivors can read some of the news articles we collected.
- [To the Family of Robert McMullan: Contact Request](https://www.papertrail.pro/robert-mcmullan/): Paper Trail is requesting contact with the family of Robert McMullan who was shot dead in New Barnsley on 13th May 1972.
- [To the Family of Anthony Davidson: Contact Request](https://www.papertrail.pro/anthony-davidson/): Paper Trail is hoping to contact the family of Anthony Davidson who was murdered on 21st July 1972. Contact Ciarán at Paper Trail
- [New Evidence: British Army Killed Protestant Civilian and Blamed It on IRA](https://www.papertrail.pro/new-evidence-british-army-killed-protestant-civilian-and-blamed-it-on-ira/): New evidence that a soldier of the King’s Regiment killed unarmed Protestant civilian, Thomas Mills, but then blamed it on the IRA.
- [New Service: Digital Newspaper Search](https://www.papertrail.pro/newspaper-search-new-service/): The charity, Paper Trail, is offering to search and retrieve digital newspaper articles for victims and survivors of the conflict. Paper Trail is helping victims and survivors of the conflict in Ireland and Britain to retrieve information in digital newspaper archives about incidents that impacted their lives. For many family researchers, the first stage of their archival research is a trip to the newspaper archives. Even in normal times, this can be slow and laborious. During the global pandemic, it has been even more problematic. To support victims and survivors of the conflict in Ireland and Britain, Paper Trail is […]
- [British Supreme Court Considers PSNI's Lack of Independence](https://www.papertrail.pro/british-supreme-court-considers-psnis-lack-of-independence/): The British Supreme Court in London is considering whether the Police Service of Northern Ireland is “sufficiently independent to investigate and/or review investigations” into conflict-related killings in the North of Ireland. In a hugely significant case, the British Supreme Court will consider whether the Legacy Investigations Branch of the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) is “sufficiently independent” to investigate the murder of single mother, Jean Smyth-Campbell, in West Belfast on 8th June 1972. The decision will have ramifications for PSNI investigations into every killing during the conflict. Without any evidence, the British State attributed the murder of Jean Smyth-Campbell to […]
- [British State Fails to Investigate Cop Killers of Donegal Civilian](https://www.papertrail.pro/british-state-fails-to-investigate-cop-killers-of-donegal-civilian/): The Royal Ulster Constabulary gunned down unarmed Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard, on 17th May 1973. Press release below. The family of Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard, who was shot and killed by a Royal Ulster Constabulary patrol in 1973 are lobbying Irish politicians including Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, and Minister of Justice Helen McEntee, following the failure of the British state to investigate the killing despite the discovery of critical new evidence and assurances to Michael’s family. The 48th anniversary of Michael’s murder occurs today, Monday 17th May 2021. New evidence which the family presented in 2019 proved that […]
- [New Evidence in the Murder of Martha Campbell, Schoolgirl](https://www.papertrail.pro/new-evidence-in-the-murder-of-martha-campbell-schoolgirl/): Today is the 49th anniversary of the murder of 13-year-old Martha Campbell, schoolgirl. Later today, the family of Martha is releasing critical new evidence in a report. You can read some of that new evidence here. The new evidence proves that the British Army poured fire into the exact area when Martha was shot and killed. Nevertheless, in those 49 years, no organisation ever claimed her murder and the British Army denied it was nearby. The report, The Murder of Martha Campbell, Schoolgirl, has been compiled by the charity, Paper Trail (Legacy Archive Research) and will feature previously unpublished evidence […]
- [New Evidence: Joe McCann Was No Threat When Shot In The Back](https://www.papertrail.pro/new-evidence-joe-mccann-was-no-threat-when-shot-in-the-back/): Secret British Army files prove that Joe McCann was no threat when shot in the back by soldiers of the Parachute Regiment. The family of Joe McCann will present the evidence to the Attorney General when seeking a fresh inquest into his killing on 15th April 1972. Unredacted British Army files secured by Paper Trail prove Joe McCann was no threat when he was shot in the back and killed by shock troops of 1 Para in Joy Street, Belfast. He was unarmed. The previously unpublished British Army 39 Brigade and Headquarters Northern Ireland files were discovered in the National […]
- [EXECUTION: Three Scottish Soldiers](https://www.papertrail.pro/execution-three-scottish-soldiers/): The British military files brutally exclaim EXECUTION. Today is the 50th anniversary of the execution of three Scottish soldiers on a lonely brae overlooking the city of Belfast. Their names were John McCaig (17), Joseph McCaig (18) and Dougald McCaughey (23). The teenagers were brothers. All were friends and Fusiliers in the 1st Battalion Royal Highland Fusiliers (RHF) stationed in Belfast the month before. Their execution by members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) was another significant turning point in our shared history and a downward spiral towards a long war. Because of their personal stories – their youth, […]
- [McGurk's Bar Families versus Office of Police Ombudsman](https://www.papertrail.pro/mcgurks-bar-families-versus-office-of-police-ombudsman/): The families of those killed and injured in McGurk’s Bar have been forced to begin legal proceedings against the Office of the Police Ombudsman Northern Ireland (OPONI). The Office of the Police Ombudsman is supposed to provide an “independent, impartial investigation of complaints about the police in Northern Ireland” (source OPONI website). That includes complaints about the previous police force, the Royal Ulster Constabulary, and its investigations of conflict-related deaths. In October 2015, the McGurk’s Bar families raised a serious complaint about the present-day police force’s policy decision-making and investigation into the atrocity. 15 civilians were murdered, including 2 children. […]
- [40 Years: The Start of the Second Hunger Strike](https://www.papertrail.pro/40-years-the-start-of-the-second-hunger-strike/): March 1st 2021 is the 40th anniversary of the start of the second hunger strike. It began when Bobby Sands, the Officer Commanding Irish Republican Army prisoners in the Maze Prison, refused food. At  the start of the second hunger strike, Republican prisoners called off the Blanket Protest which began in 1976. This was reported by the Republican movement as a tactical move to focus attention on the hunger strikes and “to highlight the main areas of our demands” (reported Belfast Telegraph, March 1981). These Five Demands were: The right not to wear a prison uniform The right not to […]
- [Britain's Failure To Proscribe Loyalist Extremist Groups](https://www.papertrail.pro/britains-failure-to-proscribe-loyalist-extremist-groups/): Britain’s failure to proscribe Loyalist extremist groups will feature in legacy court cases for years to come. Britain, of course, also stands accused of arming and funding Loyalist extremist groups during the conflict, but its failure to proscribe these from the start will be tested by litigation too. The British state’s defence that it was unaware that organised Loyalist violence existed or that Loyalist extremists used cover names for their violence has long been proven untenable. It is moot, though, whether the British state has been properly held to account. For my first book in 2012, The McGurk’s Bar Bombing, […]
- [New Lodge Six: New Evidence With Attorney General](https://www.papertrail.pro/new-lodge-six-new-evidence-attorney-general/): Paper Trail Chairperson Niall Ó Murchú writes on the news of the new inquest for the New Lodge Six and their families and Paper Trail's ongoing archive work.
- [The Murder of Martha Campbell, Schoolgirl](https://www.papertrail.pro/the-murder-of-martha-campbell-schoolgirl-2/): Martha Campbell was 13 years old when she was murdered close to her home in West Belfast on 14th May 1972. The murder of Martha Campbell is one of a small number of child killings that lies unclaimed by any organisation. Her family and local witnesses have long believed that the British Army shot Martha, having directed fire at her from a position in the flats of Moyard Park, which overlooked the area. Another girl with her and a local man were lucky not to be injured or killed in the same bursts of fire. There had been intense fighting […]
- [Smoke and Mirrors: The Mysterious Case of Ranger Hammond](https://www.papertrail.pro/smoke-mirrors-mysterious-case-of-ranger-hammond/): In a world of smoke and mirrors, the case of Ranger Hammond is still hazy to this day. The British state kept it deliberately so, although new documents we publish here will help to set the record straight – especially for Ranger Hammond. After the damaging loss of its Four Square Laundry intelligence-gathering operation (never mind the killing of Military Reaction Force agents and an operative whose families have yet to receive a proper investigation), British military intelligence got its own back on the IRA. Yet again, though, the British psychological operation compromised another British soldier when the IRA kidnapped […]
- [The McGurk's Bar Bombing: Post-Script](https://www.papertrail.pro/mcgurks-bar-bombing-post-script/): The McGurk’s Bar Bombing: Post-Script is our latest publication. The McGurk’s Bar Bombing: Post-Script features new evidence discovered by Paper Trail manager Ciaran MacAirt whose grandparents were two of the many victims of the atrocity. It is FREE to download. Post-Script features new evidence either missed or buried by historical investigations of the Office of the Police Ombudsman and Police Service Northern Ireland. Among critical new information published in The McGurk’s Bar Bombing: Post-Script, is proof that there was a covert British Army operation in place on the night of the explosion near McGurk’s Bar and the British Army recorded […]
- [Secret British MoD Files Record MRF's Failure to Protect Freds](https://www.papertrail.pro/secret-british-mod-files-record-mrfs-failure-to-protect-freds/): Archive Release: Secret British Ministry of Defence files records the failure of the Military Reaction Force to protect its Freds. Secret British Ministry of Defence (MoD) files discovered by the charity, Paper Trail, document the British state’s failure to protect its own soldiers and agents (or “Freds”) in its covert, extra-legal military unit, the Military Reaction Force, in 1972. The Irish Republican Army (IRA) killed and badly injured a number of British soldiers and “turned” paramilitaries within its own ranks when it uncovered a number of MRF intelligence-gathering operations in 1972. Two of those killed in October 1972, Seamus Wright […]
- [New Evidence: The Shooters and Freds of Britain's Military Reaction Force](https://www.papertrail.pro/new-evidence-the-shooters-and-freds-of-britains-military-reaction-force/): Join the discussion on the Shooters and Freds of Britain’s Military Reaction Force via Virtual Féile 2020. Tomorrow (Friday 31st July) at 1pm, Virtual Féile an Phobail 2020 is hosting author and Paper Trail project manager, Ciarán MacAirt, who will be releasing his latest British military archive discoveries relating to Britain’s Military Reaction Force, a covert British army unit which left a trail of death and devastation in its wake. You can watch it online via Féile an Phobail’s Facebook, Twitter or YouTube feeds. Who: Author, Ciarán MacAirt What: The Shooters and Freds of Britain’s Military Reaction Force Why: Launch […]
- [Battle of St. Matthew's 50th Anniversary](https://www.papertrail.pro/battle-of-st-matthews-50th-anniversary/): The Battle of St. Matthew’s was a pivotal moment in our local history and we have much to learn from it still. The 27/28th June is the 50th anniversary of the battle around the parish church in Short Strand. 3 men were shot dead and over two dozen injured. The local area around Ballymacarrett and Newtownards Road was devastated. Alongside the Falls Road Curfew a week later, the Battle of St. Matthew’s marked a turning point in the relationship between the Irish Catholic community and the British armed forces. The events that night were also formative for the nascent Provisional […]
- [Police Failure To Investigate MRF Shootings](https://www.papertrail.pro/police-failure-to-investigate-mrf-shootings/): Paper Trail published proof from secret British archives that the MRF was guilty of a catalogue of murders and attempted murders of civilians in Belfast 1972. The report followed the failure of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Legacy Investigation Branch (LIB) to arrest or convict British Army soldiers in the killer gang, the Military Reaction Force (MRF). This is despite the LIB’s long-running Operation Everson, its investigation into the activities of the MRF, which began over 4 years ago. Paper Trail’s report, Shooters: Britain’s Military Reaction Force and Operation Everson, provides archival evidence for each of the incidents […]
- [Paper-Trailers with Lyra McKee](https://www.papertrail.pro/paper-trailers-with-lyra-mckee/): Paper-Trailers was first published in 2017. It is particularly poignant today as Paper-Trailers opens with an article by the talented writer, Lyra McKee, who was shot dead by extremists on 18th April 2019. Lyra was a great supporter of Paper Trail and the charity’s work from its inception. She remains a guiding light. We are re-releasing Paper-Trailers, free for all to read, on the first anniversary of her killing and re-dedicating it to her as a small token of our esteem. Paper-Trailers are family members who lost loved ones or who were injured. They are former combatants who are seeking to […]
- [Casual Collusion and a Tale of Two City Estates](https://www.papertrail.pro/casual-collusion-and-a-tale-of-two-city-estates/): Collusion between state forces and paramilitaries can take many forms. Rarely do we see such casual collusion evidenced in inky black and white, though; and, here, it went to the top. Two incidents. The same British Army Regiment. Just over 24 hours apart and a just a few of hundred yards away from each other. One incident was a mass murder. The other was the release of a gunman caught in the act. One estate was called Springhill and the other Springmartin. But what set them apart? Well, one estate was Irish Catholic; the other, British Protestant. Incident 1. Casual […]
- [Earliest Recorded MRF Shooting (Thus Far)](https://www.papertrail.pro/earliest-recorded-mrf-shooting-thus-far/): Paper Trail is releasing the earliest recorded shooting by Britain’s Military Reaction Force MRF. The MRF shooting is the earliest recorded that we have discovered – this, of course, does not mean that it was the first MRF shooting. It means that, at the moment, it is the earliest recorded shooting that researchers like ourselves have found. The MRF was active as MRF for around 7 months by this stage – read Paper Trail’s Earliest Record of Operational MRF. It is also a Military Reaction Force shooting that does not feature in the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Operation Everson, […]
- [Britain's Military Reaction Force and Operation Everson](https://www.papertrail.pro/military-reaction-force-operation-everson/): Paper Trail has linked Britain’s Military Reaction Force (MRF) to multiple murders and attempted murders of civilians in Belfast in 1972. Secret British military documents prove that the MRF was indeed guilty of a catalogue of murders and attempted murders of unarmed civilians – including teenagers – in Belfast between May and September 1972. The archival evidence accounts for every single one of those listed by the Legacy Investigation Branch (LIB) of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) when it launched Operation Everson, its inquiry into the Military Reaction Force, in December 2015. Nevertheless, Paper Trail is investigating many […]
- [Military Reaction Force Telephone Number in 1972](https://www.papertrail.pro/military-reaction-force-telephone-number-in-1972/): If the police wanted to discover if the British Army’s Military Reaction Force had shot another civilian, all it had to do was telephone Palace Barracks 3534. If only we knew back then…
- [Black and Tans: A Historical Brief for a British Minister in 1972](https://www.papertrail.pro/black-and-tans-historical-brief-for-british-minister/): In May 1972, the British Minister of State for Northern Ireland requested a short note on the origins of the Black and Tans and the B Specials. Lord Windlesham requested the historical brief regarding the Black and Tans and B Specials “at a time when the Royal Ulster Constabulary is under strength and there is talk of a need for a sizeable increase in police manpower in Northern Ireland.” Lord Windlesham had just moved from Home Affairs to the newly created Northern Ireland Office after the imposition of Direct Rule at the end of March 1972. The north of Ireland […]
- [The Soldiers' Truce, Christmas Day 1914](https://www.papertrail.pro/the-soldiers-truce-christmas-day-1914/): Remembering the Soldiers’ Truce on the Western Front 105 years ago, Christmas Day 1914. The festive miracle continued throughout Christmas Day and is recorded in the War Diary of the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. “At dawn 25th, the Germans shouted out ‘Merry Xmas’ from their trenches and danced and sang in front of their parapets.” Message from Brigade, 8:40 am “So long as Germans do not snipe, there should be no sniping from our lines today but greatest vigilance must be maintained as Germans are not to be trusted.” “Our guns will not be firing today unless asked to […]
- [The Soldiers' Truce, Christmas Eve 1914](https://www.papertrail.pro/soldiers-truce-christmas-eve-1914/): Remembering the Soldiers’ Truce on the Western Front 105 years ago, Christmas 1914. Peace broke out 105 years ago along certain sections of the Western Front when troops on both sides of the trenches put down their weapons and sang Christmas hymns during a Soldiers’ Truce. Thanks to the great work of the National Archives, London, we have access to the Royal Irish Rifles’ War Diary throughout this horrific war. This is of especial importance to my family as one of these Irish soldiers in British Army uniform was Rifleman Robert Arthurs, my great-great-uncle. It is similarly important to thousands […]
- [Who Killed Joseph Downey?](https://www.papertrail.pro/the-killing-of-joseph-downey/): Nobody in the Market was certain who killed Joseph Downey. A local witness at the inquest said he had watched Joseph Downey walking up McAuley Street in the Market, Belfast, close to his home and had shouted a warning to him there was shooting in the area. He thought Joseph had been drinking and did not hear his warning. Joseph, 23, was shot dead at the top of the street, hit in the neck with a low-velocity bullet. Bloody Friday Belfast was a dangerous place that particular night. Close after the turn of midnight of 21st July 1972, the Ulster […]
- [Listen: Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill on the Murder of Michael Leonard by RUC](https://www.papertrail.pro/brian-o-domhnaill-re-michael-leonard/): ? Listen: Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill discusses the murder of Michael Leonard by the RUC in 1973. Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill was interviewed by Ocean FM  (7th October 2019) about the murder of Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard, by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) in 1973 and the family’s on-going campaign for truth. This followed the Senator raising of an important Commencement Matter in the Irish Seanad the previous week (link) demanding action by An Tánaiste, Simon Coveney TD, as Michael was an Irish citizen murdered by a British police force in the North of Ireland. Pressure is now mounting on […]
- [Michael Leonard: Murder of Civilian by RUC Debated in Seanad](https://www.papertrail.pro/michael-leonard-murder-of-civilian-by-ruc-debated-in-seanad/): The murder of Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard, by RUC in 1973 is to be raised in the Seanad. An important Commencement Matter regarding the murder of Donegal civilian, Michael Leonard, by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) on 17th May 1973 will be discussed in Seanad Éireann today (2nd October 2019) as the family fight for a new inquest in the North of Ireland. Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill (Independent, Donegal South) has raised the Commencement Matter: “To call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs [Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD] to urgently demand the British Government to: (1) Execute a fresh and transparent […]
- [EU Committee of Ministers](https://www.papertrail.pro/eu-committee-of-ministers/): Vindication for campaigning families at the EU Committee of Ministers last week. The Deputies of the Committee of Ministers at the European Parliament (link): 1. recalled that this group of cases concerns the effectiveness of investigations into the deaths of the applicants’ next-of-kin in Northern Ireland in the 1980s and 1990s, either during security force operations or in circumstances giving rise to suspicions of collusion with those forces; As regards individual measures 2. recalled with profound regret that the investigations and related litigation in the cases of McKerr, Shanaghan, Jordan, Kelly and Others and McCaughey and Others have still not […]
- [British Information Policy and Propaganda 1971](https://www.papertrail.pro/british-information-policy-and-propaganda-1971/): Read about British Information Policy and Propaganda in the North of Ireland 1971 in these short papers. In July 1971, Clifford Hill was seconded by Britain’s covert propaganda unit, Information Research Department, to the Northern Ireland Office to promote British information policy and propaganda. In Stormont circles, he was known as “Cliff the Spy”. His short job brief and subsequent plans offer an invaluable insight into how the British state managed and presented conflict-related information to the public at the time. The out-workings of the more sinister side of this can be examined in the disinformation produced in the aftermath […]
- [Jean Smyth-Campbell Murder: Independent Investigation Ordered](https://www.papertrail.pro/jean-smyth-campbell-murder-independent-investigation-ordered/): The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland has ordered an independent investigation into the murder of Jean Smyth-Campbell. Jean Smyth-Campbell was a single mother who was shot dead in an unprovoked attack in June 1972. The Royal Ulster Constabulary told her family that she was murdered by the local members of the Irish Republican Army. In 2014, Paper Trail discovered secret British military archives which proved Jean was in fact murdered by the British Army. Subsequent files showed that the British Army’s clandestine Military Reaction Force claimed “a hit” in the same area. We presented the horrific […]
- [Response to Inaccurate Police Reporting of Michael Leonard's Murder](https://www.papertrail.pro/inaccurate-police-reporting-of-michael-leonard-murder/): Solicitor Pat Fahy and Paper Trail respond to the police’s false reporting of Michael Leonard’s murder. It is with great dismay that the family of Michael Leonard read that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is now claiming that their classification of the killing of Michael Leonard as murder, as reported in the Irish News, was inaccurate. How this could have happened is difficult to understand, given that the PSNI is understood to have made that assertion to the Irish News not once, but twice before PSNI flip-flopped. Solicitor for the family, Pat Fahy, has also raised a key […]
- [Police Admit To RUC Murder of Michael Leonard](https://www.papertrail.pro/police-admit-to-ruc-murder-of-michael-leonard/): As his family has long believed, the RUC did murder Michael Leonard. In an astounding admission, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has admitted that the shooting dead of civilian Michael Leonard on 17th May 1973 by members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary was in fact murder. Read Connla Young’s front page report in the Irish News here. This horrific admission follows the Paper Trail discovery of critical new evidence which proved that the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) patrol fired three deliberate shots at a car driven by civilian Michael Leonard and not one accidental discharge as the police testified […]
- [Press Release: Solicitors for the Family of Jean Smyth-Campbell](https://www.papertrail.pro/press-release-solicitors-for-the-family-of-jean-smyth-campbell/): Kinnear & Co. Solicitors represent the family of Jean Smyth-Campbell, who was killed in a drive-by shooting by the undercover British Army Unit (the MRF), in June 1972. At the time Jean’s family were told that the IRA had carried out the attack. The RUC then parroted this falsehood to the inquest in November 1972. In 2008 the PSNI’s HET unit again repeated the lie, and the cover-up continued. Then, in 2014, researcher Ciaran MacAirt, of the legacy charity Papertrail, uncovered contemporaneous British Army archives in which the MRF admitting the killing. The family immediately sought to have a fresh […]
- [Special Order of the Day: GOC Freeland, 15th August 1969](https://www.papertrail.pro/goc-freeland-15th-august-1969/): From the archives: Special Order of the Day by the General Officer Commanding Freeland on 15th August 1969. GOC Freeland: “We are rapidly moving into an operation which might be one of the trickiest that you have experienced.” And so began Operation Banner, one of the longest, continuous deployments of British Army forces in its history. The Special Order was from the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Lieutenant-General Ian Freeland and distributed to all of his Commanding Officers. He continued: “As there are a number of new units who do not know the North of Ireland well, I want all Commanding […]
- [Where Was MRF When McGurk's Bar Was Bombed?](https://www.papertrail.pro/where-was-mrf-when-mcgurks-bar-was-bombed/): For over 10 years, the families have asked police investigators where was the British Army’s death-squad, MRF, when McGurk’s Bar was bombed. Every investigation by the police and Police Ombudsman’s Office in the 46 years since the atrocity, which claimed the lives of 15 civilians, have failed to even prove the existence of the Miltary Reaction Force (MRF) at the time never mind locate its active service units around Belfast on the night of the bombing. Nevertheless, the archive discoveries below prove the covert unit’s existence at the time and even locate it operating in the areas surrounding McGurk’s Bar. Paper […]
- [Kelly Murder Remains a Dark Stain On Policing and Justice Systems](https://www.papertrail.pro/kelly-murder-dark-stain-on-policing-and-justice-systems/): Pat Fahy, solicitor for the family, writes in the Irish News about the murder of Councillor Patsy Kelly. The murder of Trillick, Co Tyrone councillor Patsy Kelly, in 1974 remains a dark stain on our policing and justice systems. This was an abduction and killing widely believed to have been carried out by members of the Ulster Defence Regiment in uniform. That no-one has been brought to justice is a common and understandable theme of complaints made by the families of many victims of our conflict. But what makes this case stand out from other such unsolved killings is the fact that, indisputably, various forces of the state have collaborated in ensuring that those […]
- [Patsy Kelly Murder, 1974 - Startling New Information Uncovered](https://www.papertrail.pro/patsy-kelly-new-information-uncovered/): Statement by the family of Patsy Kelly on the discovery of startling new information which points towards a cover-up by the British state. Startling new information relating to the 1974 abduction and murder of Independent Councillor, Patsy Kelly (right), from Trillick, Co. Tyrone, has been uncovered following a freedom of information request on behalf of the Kelly family by Ciarán MacAirt of the charity, Paper Trail. The information is from British Army record in a Brigade Operations Log dated 13th Aug. 1974 [view PDF], soon after the discovery of Patsy Kelly’s body at Lough Eyes, Co. Fermanagh. It records that […]
- [Podcast 7 Britain's Man in Maynooth](https://www.papertrail.pro/podcast-7-britains-man-in-maynooth-2/): In this Paper Trail Pro podcast, we out Britain’s Man in Maynooth. We examine the rather cosy relationship between a highly influential Irish Monsignor at Maynooth College and a British covert spy and propaganda unit. At first glance, the file I found was a brief, quite nondescript information report from one British civil servant in the Dublin embassy to another British civil servant in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Looks can be deceiving though. The Information Policy Report from the Republic of Ireland dated 23rd September 1971 was prepared by Information Officer, PJC Evans, for DN Brinson, working in the Guidance and Information […]
- [Podcast 6: Brian Nelson - Diminishing Responsibility?](https://www.papertrail.pro/podcast-6-brian-nelson-diminishing-responsibility/): In this podcast, we examine the early career of British soldier and Loyalist paramilitary, Brian Nelson. When the murky history of the Troubles is written, Brian Nelson’s name is assured of a place. His name has become synonymous with the word “collusion” as he was a double agent run by British military intelligence at the heart of Loyalist paramilitarism and at the cutting edge of Britain’s clandestine war against Republicans and the Irish community – although civilians were the main victims by far. Despite various investigations by Sir John Stevens and Judge Cory, innumerable court cases and, of course, the […]
- [Consultation Response: Addressing the Legacy of the Past](https://www.papertrail.pro/consultation-addressing-the-legacy-of-the-past-2/): Below is a summary of Paper Trail’s response to the consultation, Addressing the Legacy of the Past in Northern Ireland. Paper Trail’s project manager worked with the families of the Time for Truth Campaign which gathered nearly 15K responses to the consultation, Addressing the Legacy of the Past. Below is a summary of Paper Trail’s response to the same. 1   Do you consider that maintaining the current system for dealing with the issues of the past through legacy inquests, PSNI and OPONI investigations is the right approach, or do you think there is a need for reform? Definite need for […]
- [Earliest Record of Operational MRF?](https://www.papertrail.pro/earliest-record-of-operational-mrf/): Is this the earliest record of an operational Military Reaction Force (MRF)? A British Army 39 Brigade Commander’s Diary from October 1971 could have uncovered the earliest operational record of the clandestine Military Reaction Force. We have other records naming the main players like Captain Arthur Watchus and Sergeant Clive Graham Williams from the beginning of Internment in August 1971 but none naming MRF on active duty. We had previously uncovered a discussion of the MRF by none other than Brigadier Frank Kitson dated 4th December 1971 – the day of the McGurk’s Bar Massacre. You can read about that […]
- [Consultation Deadline: Addressing the Legacy of the Past](https://www.papertrail.pro/consultation-addressing-the-legacy-of-the-past/): The consultation for Addressing the Legacy of the Past is closing on 5th October 2018 so record your views now. The consultation regards the proposed legislation and mechanisms for dealing with the legacy of the conflict. It follows the signing of the Stormont House Agreement in 2014 and the absence of action since then. The consultation deadline has been extended from 10th September to 5th October to give us more time to respond. Further Information: Northern Ireland Office Website Paper Trail (Legacy Archive Research) is encouraging all families to respond. The proposals are far from perfect but that is more reason […]
- [Podcast 5: The Myth of the Orange Pimpernel](https://www.papertrail.pro/podcast-5-orange-pimpernel/): In this Paper Trail Pro podcast, we examine the Myth of the Orange Pimpernel. Secret British archives prove that Gusty Spence did not escape from police custody when he was the most wanted Loyalist in the north of Ireland. The police simply released him and helped create the Myth of the Orange Pimpernel. Government Line This podcast documents the realisation by the British political and military elite, including the British Prime Minister himself, that Gusty Spence had been arrested as planned but released by the RUC police force, undermining the whole British Army operation. This podcast also proves that the […]
- [Podcast 4: The Murder of Jean Smyth-Campbell](https://www.papertrail.pro/podcast-4-the-murder-of-jean/): In this Paper Trail Pro podcast, we examine the murder of Jean Smyth-Campbell and her family’s campaign for truth. Jean Smyth-Campbell was a 24-year-old mother of a young child who was murdered in west Belfast on June 8th 1972. The state’s police force told her family that she was killed by Republican paramilitaries but British military archives prove she was killed by state forces. In the frame are the Military Reaction Force, a clandestine special force unit developed and deployed by General Sir Frank Kitson which left a trail of dead civilians in its wake. The state’s cover-up of her […]
- [Spy in the Sacristy - Bruno Heim](https://www.papertrail.pro/spy-in-the-sacristy-bruno-heim/): Our Archive of the Week uncovers a Spy in the Sacristy during a critical period of the first Hunger Strike in 1980. Archive of the Week: Spy in the Sacristy – the Pope’s Apostolic Delegate, Bruno Heim, was Britain’s spy who divulged significant information at a crucial juncture of the first Hunger Strike in 1980 – a secret message from the Pope to his Irish Bishops… /1 pic.twitter.com/1t1INJtFgK — Paper Trail (@papertrailpro) January 26, 2018 During a private lunch with EAJ Fergusson, the Assistant Under Secretary of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Heim said “he was obviously precluded […]
- [The History Thieves of McGurk's Bar](https://www.papertrail.pro/history-thieves-of-mcgurks-bar/): Investigative journalist and author, Ian Cobain, has led the way in uncovering the lengths to which the British state will go to bury evidence of its human rights abuses and dirty secrets in books such as Cruel Britannia and The History Thieves. Most recently in the Guardian, he informed us that the British Government admits “losing” thousands of papers from the National Archives, London. Files relating to the security situation in the north of Ireland in the early 1970s are among files that the National Archives have listed as “misplaced while on loan to government department”. Other files included those […]
- [Podcast 3: General Frank Kitson - War Hero or Director of Terrorism Pt 2](https://www.papertrail.pro/podcast-3-general-kitson-pt2/): In this Paper Trail Pro Podcast, author Ciarán MacAirt discusses the legacy of General Frank Kitson. This is the second part of a two-part podcast examining the legacy of General Frank Kitson in light of his development of the covert British Army unit, the Military Reaction Force, which was guilty of dozens of murders and attempted murders in the early 1970s. The vast majority of its victims were civilians. General Frank Kitson (right) is a renowned British Army military strategist and counter-insurgency expert. His books include Gangs and Counter-Gangs and Low Intensity Operations: Subversion, Insurgency and Peacekeeping. He was last deployed to the north of Ireland […]
- [Podcast 2: General Frank Kitson - War Hero or Director of Terrorism?](https://www.papertrail.pro/podcast-2-general-kitson-pt1/): In the second of the Paper Trail Pro Podcasts, author Ciarán MacAirt discusses the legacy of General Frank Kitson. General Frank Kitson (right) is a renowned British Army military strategist and counter-insurgency expert. His books include Gangs and Counter-Gangs and Low Intensity Operations: Subversion, Insurgency and Peacekeeping. Kitson was last deployed to the north of Ireland as Brigadier in charge of 39 Brigade and ran British military operations and intelligence in the Greater Belfast area from 1970 t0 1972, a crucial juncture in the conflict. Ciarán MacAirt argues that he laid the blue-print for how Britain was to wage its war […]
- [Podcast 1: World Wars and Local Memories](https://www.papertrail.pro/podcast-1-world-wars-local-memories/): In the first of the Paper Trail Pro Podcasts, author Ciarán MacAirt discusses World Wars and Local Memories. This personal journey finds him trudging from the killing fields of World War 1 to the back-streets of Belfast where death-squads roamed. He discusses his work with the McGurk’s Bar campaign and his family’s service in British Army uniform. But he first introduces the work of the charity, Paper Trail, and the project funded by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and Victims and Survivors Service. Related Articles This podcast is based […]

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