The Emergency to the 1980 (3rd Motor Squadron)
The origin of the 3rd Motor squadron can be traced to another Squadron namely the 2nd Motor squadron that was based in Mc Kee Barracks in 1939. Up to September of that year, the Squadron was primarily a Unit of The Volunteer Reserve, comprising of a regular training Cadre and Reserve personal drawn from the reserve cyclist squadrons from such diverse parts of The country such as Navan, Wicklow and Carlow.
With declaration of the “Emergency" on the 9th of September 1939 and the subsequent rapid expansion of the Army, the Volunteer Reserve Personnel were called out on permanent service.
On May 19th two Troops of the Squadron were dispatched to Collins barracks Cork as part of a general re organization of the cavalry Corps. By June 13th a Complete Armoured Troop from 1 armoured squadron was added to the two Recce troops now based in Kilworth camp, and the new unit was designated 3 Motor Squadron.
During the Emergency , 3 Motor Squadron consisted of a HQ Troop, one armoured Troop- consisting of Ford Armoured Cars and three motor troops- consisting of soft skinned vehicles and motor Cycles. For a period during 1940 due to intense subversive activity the squadron moved to Tralee. Eventually after various moves ranging between Sarsfield barracks in Limerick and Ballincolllig to Fermoy..the Squadron found a new home in October of 1941.
After the cessation of ten Emergency the squadron was temporarily stood down and the majority of the personnel transferred to 1 Motor squadron, which at the time was also based in Clonnmel.
On the 2nd October 1959 the Squadron was reactivated in its role as an FCA Unit. The Headquarters was now in Clonmel.
The FCA was well established in the are drawing from areas such as Fethard Kilcash and Carrick on Suir .The nucleus of the unit was there for already in place and the Clonmel FCA battalion had now to adjust to the new and more sophisticated type training of a cavalry unit.
Early equipment included Beaverette type scout cars, Ford Armoured cars, and Landrovers along with some motorcycles. Training schedules were tight and exciting with maximum attendance at parades.
They're Orienteering -
In 1960 Comdt. Gus Mulligan took over Command. The Squadron LMG and Gustaf Teams achieved a notable string of successes at Brigade, Command and All Army level throughout the sixties. Notable successes were the LMG win in the 1961 All Army, involving Cpl Paddy O'Brien and Tpr Jim McCarthy, and Tpr McCarthy's individual win in the same weapon in 1963.
After returning from a tour of duty in Cyprus, Comdt. Mulligan introduced a new form of training Orienteering, (map navigation, running and stamina required). The first formal Orienteering competition to be held, not only in the Defence Forces but also in this country, took place in early 1969 in the hills above Clonmel. The then Director of Cavalry, Col J. Stapleton, was present and the local press, the 'Clonmel Nationalist' gave the event wide coverage.
By about 1969 the Units fleet had become obsolete, replacement vehicles were not forth coming, and training was reduced to a more traditional type infantry pattern.
The security situation at the time also meant and end to localized independent training centers and the training became more focused on centralized training in barracks. However at a competitive level during this period the squadron was to win three Brigade championships and the individual rifle competition achieved by then Cpl P.J. ‘Hoppy’ Keogh.
By 1979 things were looking a lot better equipment wise with the arrival of five Unimog APCs providing the squadron with a much need boost in the area of cavalry training. This was further augmented in the eighties with squadron members now be sent to the cavalry school in the Curragh for further training.
|
