Item Details
Bravo, Ulster Volunteers [3 Postcards Celebrating UVF/Larne gun-running].
Ireland: nd. First Printing. Three uncommon postcards with engravings of the secret operation of 24-25 April, 1914, in Larne. "The Larne gun-running was a major gun smuggling operation organised in April 1914 in Ireland by Major Frederick H. Crawford and Captain Wilfrid Spender for the Ulster Unionist Council to equip the Ulster Volunteer Force. The operation involved the smuggling of almost 25,000 rifles and between 3 and 5 million rounds of ammunition from the German Empire, with the shipments landing in Larne, Donaghadee, and Bangor in the early hours between Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April 1914. The Larne gun-running may have been the first time in history that motor-vehicles were used "on a large scale for a military-purpose, and with striking success"." The true significance of the operation for the Unionist movement is debatable, but it remains a matter of pride and an example of heroism. It did provoke a response of more direct significance, when Erskine Childers organized the Howth gun running of June 1914. The 900 guns that he brought into County Dublin were subsequently used in the 1916 Easter Rising and Home Rule ceased to be a matter of debate. One card is used, bearing George V stamp. Very Good/Good. Two show minor edge wear, else bright and clean; one was mailed, shows creases, closed tear, writing at rear, stamp, else bright. 3"x5". Illus. (b/w plates). Item #9141
Price: $250.00