So this image is the subject of my next blog post (probably). A small quiz, the prize for which I haven’t decided yet…but it will be good! First person to get two out of the following three questions right
1. What terrorist group is responsible for this device?
2. What year was it made and deployed? (I’ll give you + or – 5 years)
3. What is the component in the bottom right of the image? (Clue, it’s from a motor vehicle, and it’s not a battery)
Answer by commenting below. Good luck!
Clearly I’m making this too difficult… so here’s some clues.
1. The device was used in Belfast.
2. The mystery component is from a Ford Model T… which should help with the date and the nature of the component (which is very interesting)
3. An Army Organisation made it safe, but which one?
I’ll say 1920 Roger and wild guess, as not an expert on Model T Ford engines, a trembler coil to step up the voltage from a hidden battery, to a spark plug in the paraffin?
Author
That’s close enough Kier! Well done. It was 1922. The “main charge” is an HME mix that I’ll discuss in a longer post, but designed to be ignited not detonated. And yes a trembler coil (induction coil) to provide a stepped up voltage cor the igniter from a 4.5 V batt. Model T “buzzer coils” were widely repurposed for other their uses, including by Ham radio folks. But when I saw the original notes on RSP that called it a trembler coil, and I wasn’t familiar with that term for this component I sat up…until I read into it. So you win – I’ll buy you lunch. But you buy the drinks unless you can tell me which military organisation did the render safe.
I’ll ask the Nationwide for a second mortgage to cover your drinks mate!
I’m going to guess at a policeman de-arming it as it was so early in the IRA campaign? So 1922, with the RUC forming on 1 June. Before that point, the Ulster Special Constabulary had been formed to aid the Royal Irish Constabulary in dealing with the IRA. I’m going to say the Ulster Special Constabulary, rather than the Royal Ulster Constabulary….
(closes eyes and has fingers crossed he isn’t buying Roger’s drinks!)
Ahhhh, just reread the original question! Army organisation, eh…. I’ll say the local Bn’s first line REME fitters?
Author
Poor marks for military history Kier. REME wasn’t formed until 1942. So the drinks are on you. It was in fact (drum roll) the Royal Engineers. Yes, believe it or not, in 1922, it was the sappers that did IEDD in Belfast. We’ll start, I think, with margaritas while the Bolly gets nice and cold.
“I say my good man, a few more scoops of the Almas Caviar and a couple of those white truffles over here… and a wafer thin mint…”
😉