Belfast 1979, stories from the troubles

[@dperson9212]

A bold subject to discuss Kevin given the issue is still so raw for many people but you handled it brilliantly. I was wondering where you going to go with it as it's such a difficult subject, so well done.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks D, that's appreciated. As you say it is still a raw subject and within living memory for so many. 👍🏻

[@deed5811]

It was heartbreaking to watch that happening as a kid here in US. I have no doubt our news only covered a fraction of it then.

[@gb6710]

I would love to hear more stories about your service Mr. Kevin. Whether it’s a bit of levity or more serious, they are a delight to hear.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@scrappydoo7887]

Yes definitely. It's something that is almost hidden but I try to learn as much as I can.

[@zali13]

Moments of humour amidst the grimness of the Troubles. Thank you for sharing, Kevin.

[@cocteaut]

I'm also from the North. My biological father was a soldier with the Queens Own Highlanders during the Troubles. My biological mother was a married woman who lived on the Shankill. I was abandoned for adoption. Sadly when I went to search for them they had both since died. It leaves me feeling a bit empty, I got some misinformation about both, especially that my mother wanted nothing to do with me. She only died a few years ago, I had a few years opportunity to meet her, as she was only in Belfast. Alas, I was lied to by half siblings and told she had moved somewhere in England. I still find this pretty hard to overcome, if I ever will. Apparently I have my father's eyes, colouring etc. Sorry this isn't a happy story.

[@cocteaut]

Edit: my mother apparently always wondered where I was and always wanted to get to know me. Cousins lied and said they heard I had moved to South Africa.

[@harrywright5705]

Kevin I hope you know you are a legend, what a gent you are love you’re stories and can’t get enough thank you so much for being who you are !

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks Harry 👍🏻

[@andrewcarmichael8683]

Just noticed that I forgot to give this a "like". My sergeant in the Bermuda Regiment's newly formed Recce platoon served in Ireland. Kept us entertained with his stories of thinking out of the box when patrolling on foot, on driving a Saracen. Good times in the service!

[@crystalclear6864]

2 years and just found this!!! Tks and tks for your service

[@plunder1956]

I live near Aldershot & lots of training takes place in that area. A friend's mom was taking the dog for a walk near a lake, when the dog discovered a soldier hiding in a bush (just as you were). The dog was so happy, but the soldier whispered "please go away. I'm hiding. I frequently see full patrols & troops camping just 250m from my house. It's just normal for me to stop & chat with them as I'm walking in the area.

[@mapatterson173]

You handled a heartbreaking time for all Ireland very well, including soldier experiences that express humor and humanity. My father was born in Ulster, but then came over when he was a little boy. But he still had relatives there, including a favorite aunt, who visited regularly throughout my life. His favorite aunt, became my favorite aunt too. Everybody loved her. She was a shining example of the best the Irish could be. She was a teacher for forty years, and all her students loved her, Catholic and Protestant alike. But then came a time when folks were insisting on separate schools, and children who had played together started to look at each other with hate in their hearts. In the early seventies, a car bomb went off down at the end of her block, and she was burned out of her home. She came over and stayed with us for an extended time as things were rebuilt. I’d run home from school so I could have tea with her in the afternoon, so she could tell me stories of Ireland. And even after she was burned out of her home, she never harbored any hatred in her heart or blame. Rather, she was heartbroken. When I was in the US Army, stationed in Germany in the 1980s (when there was still two), we often worked with British military. I had a British soldier tell me he hated the Irish-he’d been stationed in Ulster. My heart broke for my aunt Lily.

[@thehistorysquad]

It was such a harsh time, that's for sure. I always say my experience there left a stain on my soul. So sad. Thank you for your comment and your lovely recollection of your aunt Lily. 👍🏻

[@als3022]

And this is why we must always tell our stories to others and pass them on. Even when we experience what might be only local history or recent history every experience should be saved. For the stories untold will be lost when they are no longer living memory. I enjoy many of the videos, but those with a personal touch are always the most enjoyable. Like a grandfather sitting near the fire and sharing his experiences.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@hadrianwall9157]

Much more light-hearted than I anticipated. Always a pleasure,sir.

[@python27au]

Love it. Thats something that has amazed me since i was in. The fact that a situation that either made you angry or scared or both, can become a story you laugh about in the pub for years.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thats for sure 😉

[@etloing5016]

Always wanted to hear about the troubles from a British soldiers perspective. Very interesting

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

You are an inspiration to all; your compassion for total strangers is a lovely example. I can only hope to be so kind and gentle.

[@jameshughdalton]

Im from northern Ireland myself and I loved my dads stories (royal engineer during the same time as you served) would love to hear more of these stories. Ones that dont include getting shot at while building sangers would be great haha

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers James, I might do a sequel one day 😉

[@nigeh5326]

In the 80s I spent a lot of time with my then wife’s uncle (DERR) and aunt at Whittington and heard some great stories from lads in the mess when I went drinking there. Some were too rude to tell on KZbin and others were simply fascinating or hilarious. Sadly I also heard stories from N Ireland that were tragic of soldiers who couldn’t deal with the pressure and boredom of being in N Ireland. As so often happens civilians then and now don’t realise what really goes on and don’t appreciate what service personnel go through. Thanks Kevin for your service and thanks to all who serve our country so well. Cheers

[@thehistorysquad]

We do have our dark side that's for sure, but thanks for your comment Nige, I appreciate it 👍🏻

[@TheChellowBowman]

Loved the stories Kevin, growing up around squadies and living with two squadies (my mum and dad) id hear from the most funnest to the most saddest. I always love to hear squadies stories and hopefully ill have stories of my own to tell. Love to hear more Kev, God bless you.

[@PSDuck216]

Great stories, Kevin! These are views we’d never hear from historical shows or books. It’s the minutiae that make the time come alive for us, and on a personal level. If it’s proper for an American to thank you for your service, consider it done. God bless, and stay strong. Cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Allen, appreciate it 👍🏻

[@oktoberfeeest7819]

I just discovered this channel today, and let me say i love it . I have been watching your videos since this morning, and the way you tell your stories is just so intriguing. I could sit and listen to you talk for hours, and i would love to hear your stories in real life too. Kudos to you, and much respect.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you and welcome 👍🏻

[@TheEx3rgj]

I was in Londonderry in 1978 for 18 months did more or less the same operations Kevin. Couldn’t believe the bit about the cemetery as we did a three day op on the edge of a cemetery overlooking the border near Strabane. Thanks for the memories.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, cheers mate, we walked the walk eh?

[@TheEx3rgj]

@@thehistorysquad sure did pal,

[@justinsears676]

Fantastic stories Kevin, much respect. I did 3 tours in the 93, 95 and 97.

[@thehistorysquad]

Good on you too mate, thanks 👍🏻

[@squamish4244]

Was it getting safer by then? Or did you notice less violence from one tour to the next?

[@thehistorysquad]

@@squamish4244 I didn't notice because I did 4 concurrent tours. Sadly the two years I was there had among the highest death toll of the troubles.

[@RykerRider46]

Thank you for your service, Kevin.

[@JuanSalvat]

I'm discovering your channel, it's a gold mine of information and experience. So much that my fellow "squad lads" of Catalonia can relate to and learn from your convert assignments histories. Thanks for sharing!

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome Juan, glad to hear it 👍🏻

[@JesusRodriguez-bu1gy]

I would love to hear more stories of your experiences serving during the troubles. As an American who is fascinated with that particular conflict it is very interesting to hear a British soldiers point of view.

[@g-dcomplex1609]

0:48 i agree as well, thank you for sharing your experience/s, regards.

[@williambowman7589]

Thank you for your service 🙏

[@michealgillman7418]

Always enjoys your stories...can you emagine that one of your subscribers says...on my God, that was me in the Bush.. fantastic! Regards Mick

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, yes that'd be something 😜

[@matthewbrowning7884]

What a delightful fellow Mr Hicks is

[@pliffregrub6167]

I just discovered your channel, and man do I wish that I discovered you much earlier, now I binge your films, keep up the great work and wish you a great day

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, thanks & welcome aboard 👍🏻

[@keithjones668]

Kevin.....you're positively my favorite internet presenter. Bar none. Thank you for your military service, and for sharing your exceptional historical knowledge on so many things.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Keith, I'm glad you enjoy the channel 👍🏻

[@Talosbug]

I think the main reason people aren’t interested in history is because of how dry it is presented. “On this date.. XYZ happened”. No one really cares about it like that. But when stories are told with real emotion, it becomes just as entertaining as Star Wars. Thank you for keeping it relatable and entertaining Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, that’s very kind, thanks 👍

[@Loleo2087]

Love you Kevin! I am an aspiring historian going thru college to become such! Your medieval content is an inspiration, Always great content, you are a king among kings.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks & good luck with your course 👍🏻

[@legus9684]

Thanks for the stories, Kevin. There's something about that kind of story that gives them such authenticity and makes them so unique, and it's crazy to think that every person that took part of a conflict must have stories of their own.

[@thehistorysquad]

They would have indeed 😉

[@Tribecasoothsayer]

I love how you tell your stories; how you present history. You have my best channels on KZbin!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@sharhune2735]

Great story Kevin. Don't you just love it when governments place their military between two groups that are trying to kill each other. Civil wars are some of the most dangerous environments on earth, both sides want to kill you for interfering. Take care.

[@nafeen12]

Not exactly true regarding the troubles as the British Army actively worked and colluded with one side against the other. As they’ve said in released documents there war was with the IRA, Loyalist paramilitaries and other republican groups were simply ‘criminal gangs’ to them. It was IRA vs British army

[@deankinsella8190]

It's not as straight forward as that though. The British forces were colluding with loyalist paramilitaries to murder nationalists. It was very dirty war with war crimes committed by all sides.

[@colinp2238]

Then, a later government decides to take soldiers to court for doing the job that previous governments sent them to do.

[@mcgoose258]

these are the best kind of war story, just stories about people doing their best to carry on living while a war tries to get in their way. and very charmingly told

[@calvinkurucz6370]

Bless you kev, very interesting stories. We often take forgranted the people who have actually been there and experienced it first hand and to actually sit down and hear about it like this. Thank you for documenting that and for your service.

[@thehistorysquad]

Absolutely 👍🏻

[@kiwifruit27]

Great stories, I lived there from 84-89 when my parents moved there for work. I did my High Schooling in Coleraine. The Troubles were mostly over by then although the IRA did blow up the dentist on our street to try and get at a RUC building next door. They failed but gave the dentist and patient quite a fright.

[@thehistorysquad]

My goodness. 👍🏻

[@maryannspicher]

I remember seeing news stories about this when I was young but too young to understand what was happening. Thanks for your information!

[@Chris-the-Saxon]

One of the best channels on KZbin!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Chris 👍🏻

[@54032Zepol]

Thanks for your time kevin hicks, glad this troubles are over for folks across the big water! Keep up the great content!

[@thehistorysquad]

You bet, cheers James 👍🏻

[@NorthernChev]

My DeLorean was built in Dunmurray, a suburb of Belfast in September of 1981, in a factory intentionally built directly on the line separating the two factions. I still have the car today.

[@thehistorysquad]

I know the factory you're talking about 👍🏻

[@nancybradford8514]

Thank you Kevin 😊, you're wonderful to listen to and look forward to more 😊

[@Believer1427]

You are the best storyteller. Thank you for your service

[@mbah8011]

Great story!!! You had me laughing with the bush story. I would love to hear more of your personal stories. I am an American and never even knew about the turmoil between the Irish. So, I learned something new today and I thank you for that Kevin.

[@Jeremy_the_unfallible_n-a]

but you should know or atleast wonder why in America the van's the poilce use to transport people are called paddy wagons lol

[@cucuawe465]

@@Jeremy_the_unfallible_n-a im my place we call them as biscuit van

[@waynescales7231]

You never knew about the turmoil in Ireland where were you living all that time on the moon 🌙🤨

[@Fifury161]

No, rather you never knew the turmoil between the Irish as there was no turmoil between the Irish - the turmoil was between the Irish & the British a completely different scenario...

[@tudyk21]

Thanks for the stories, Kevin! I am one of the ones who asked for something about The Troubles. 👍🏻

[@thehistorysquad]

Ah, thanks, I hope I managed to deliver. 👍🏻

[@davidwood351]

What stories you can tell! So many lives rolled into one.

[@SeanDonaghey-x8u]

Thanks Kevin. Very much appreciated. Sean

[@wezsmith80]

Thanks for the stories Kevin

[@angels77100]

Good stories Kevin, and I admire the fact that you still reference the Irish people with such respect even though they were the enemy for the most part at that time.

[@EvilClowns69]

I visited Belfast in the summer of 2019 as an American was amazed how much the troubles are still talked about and passed down to younger generations. I went to a few IRA museums got the tour from a friends family who lives there just couldn’t wrap my head around to me the senseless violence and killing of Protestant vs Catholics

[@thehistorysquad]

You and me both, it left a stain on my soul 😟

[@thehistoadian]

So glad I found this channel, thank you for your service and for uploading these videos!

[@thehistorysquad]

Welcome, I'm glad you like them!

[@rogerwright9096]

LOVED THE STORY SIR ! 👍👍👍PLEASE SHARE MORE . 🏴‍☠️

[@thehistorysquad]

👍🏻

[@ChrisStan66]

Kevin i absolutelly loved these two stories. Thank you.

[@lilylove2021]

Thank you for your service 🤗🙏🇬🇧 Sara

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

You're a good man Mr Hicks.

[@EazyDuzIt187]

My dad was serving as a Peacekeeper in Cyprus back in the mid 70's as a Tank Commander!(Leopard 2) (Royal Canadian Dragoons) Also did maneuvers in West Germany at the time taking command of a Leopard 1. I love hearing stories of people who've served, Great video! My dads side of the family is from England. Liverpool to be exact, As of last year or so I did Ancestry DNA and found that on his side we come from Ireland! South Down & North Louth! Bit of Scotland and Northern Philippines but mostly I am a mix of Southern Philippines and Irish! Great video Kevin! Love it, Love the channel!! 🍁

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, thanks for your comment. I love the history of people and am always asking where they come from and what's their background geographically. I find it fascinating 👍🏻

[@dfxl6587]

Just for information for your Dad, The Canadian Army received their Leopard 1 Tanks in 1977, in 2007 they received ex Netherlands Army Leopard 2 tanks for use in Afghanistan. I served in Cyprus in 1974 in the UN when the Turkish army invaded, and as far as I am aware no main battle tanks were deployed in Cyprus by the peace keeping forces, as the main fighting had died out by about August 1974.

[@TheMightyWej]

One of the best perspectives I have ever heard on the troubles, and really interesting to hear your neutral perspective on the Irish partition. It seems to match what most onlookers think when considering the Irish question, which often makes me pause to think on my own perspective as a British unionist. Much love from Belfast

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Daniel, I appreciate your comment 👍🏻

[@wijoey710]

He has it wrong The Irish people were trying to get rid of the stinky Brits... It wasn't about religion

[@robertdarcy2168]

FUNNY, nice one Kevin. Very difficult time's in a Beautiful Country. Lovely to see your Squady photo and hear your stories. As Alway's A Much Appreciative Raptor Rob 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Rob - you changed your handle?

[@blindarchershaunhenderson3769]

My uncle Ralph was in the Coldstream Guards and served in Northern Ireland in the early 70s, I can always remember spending weekends at my grandparent's and my grandma sitting by the phone every evening, because my uncle had standing orders from gran that he had to phone every night and let her know he was ok, the only time he didn't, she somehow managed to phone the barracks and played holy hell with his CO, who played holy hell with his sergeant, who played holy hell with him, needless to say he never missed a phone call again, keep the stories coming mate😎🏹🙏

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣 Nice one Sean, love the story. 👍🏻

[@kelvinbizilj9815]

This man is addictive, i cant get enough kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers buddy 👍🏻

[@p51nion]

Great stories Kevin. -GS

[@normdunbar2943]

Hi Kevin, it left a stain on the souls of us all, but at the time being young, adventurous, and super fit (Infantry,1RRF) I loved being there, I felt that it was real soldiering, which it was, not just square bashing or ceremonial. We had some bad times though in Belfast and in Londonderry (73-75) . When in Bks I used to drink in Bde Hq at the Lemon Club, which was the RMP's social club. I met some real nice guys and girls from your Regiment, and that;s what, along with the RUC, made me join the Police on leaving the army. I have no regrets and would do it all again, but lingering there in the background is a little bit of PTSD and yes, a stain on the soul. Take care my friend and give us archers a few tales of the longbow!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Norm, will do 👍🏻

[@kenji101onspot]

I'm an American and I love this new favorite channel no doubt

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers!!

[@mikef6948]

Thankfully both situations ended up light but absolutely tense at the moment. Great to hear stories of your military days Kev !! Cheers

[@Life_of_Gavin]

Great story. My respects to you Kevin. Thanks for your service 🙏

[@thehistorysquad]

Much appreciated 👍

[@allanburt5250]

Fantastic Kevin thanks for sharing 👍 I had a long laugh to myself remembering very similar stories of my own ...

[@blix0ne]

Thanks for sharing, Kevin

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

⏳😲@8:09- ! Wait, what, total shocker when; the story ends. Caught me fair & square.

[@stevem7868-y4l]

Kev, im late on this one, but you are a GREAT man, these stories are so much fun, but must of been terrifying back when they happened

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Steve, they didn’t call it the troubles for nothing 👍

[@stevem7868-y4l]

@@thehistorysquad Kev, have you put all this down in writing, as in a book? as i would buy it, and sure a lot more would also

[@DoomNedwob]

Hi Kevin 😀 Another fabulous film! I love the personal stories from history and even better that these are your personal stories. I wonder if that young couple are still together today, possibly telling their own stories of the British soldier in the bush, priceless! 😂

[@thehistorysquad]

LOL, I've often wondered myself.

[@alancoe1002]

Oh, my friend. I was a misplaced traveler on the border of the Free State and the North in 1975. It was hairy. Yet, everyone I talked to was the soul of courtesy and hospitality, so... ugh very weird for a fairly sheltered American lad (20yrs.) from the Midwest. There were some terrifying moments, but, I fancy, nothing like the intensity you had to deal with. We both made it through! I very much enjoy your KZbin contributions. As an aside,, I reenacted American Civil War for more than twenty years. Best wishes.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for your comment Alan, glad you made it through too 😜

[@alancoe1002]

@@thehistorysquad Thanks, Kevin. You're a real trooper and I will gladly read whatever you publish. Cheers.

[@soma4u289]

Sometimes your in the wrong place at the right time or vice a versa. Glad your here to tell the tales.

[@darrellpratt4479]

Awesome stories Kevin. I'm one of the originals who requested and it didn't disappoint. Thank you mate. Your mate From Australia

[@thehistorysquad]

No worries Darrell, glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@scrappydoo7887]

These are great stories and thank you for your service and the accounts. I'd love to hear or read more of you have covered them further

[@Everythingblackpowder]

Those were great stories! I really enjoy your channel.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@jankaant]

Once again , a very interesting video , quite emotional .

[@richardglady3009]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@thehistorysquad]

You are so welcome!

[@ek8710]

Could listen to your stories for days :D

[@girthygumbolini882]

Another great video, thank you Kevin for the endless knowledge and entertainment!

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure!

[@sonicthehedgehogofficial]

I would absolutely love to hear more of these stories! That was fantastic

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kek3908]

OMG, the bush story is wonderful. It was for sure their bush. Well don sir, well done.

[@tihlsteinig2465]

I cud keep hearing your stories all day long.! Thanks for all. 🇭🇺👍

[@keving1318]

Great stories, thanks for sharing!

[@1982rrose]

Thank you for your service. Always the best stories from soldiers & emergency services people are the funny ones.

[@thehistorysquad]

they are indeed, thanks for the visit 👍🏻

[@michaelrossi4904]

Love these stories, would love to hear more kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

I'll play a few more out in due course 😉. Thanks for watching.

[@catherinewilkins2760]

Thanks for that, went to a wedding in NI, height of the troubles, nothing untoward happened. Very nice people and no tourists at the giants causeway. Had a lovely time.

[@HaxtonSale4040]

These were absolutely incredible, MORE MORE MOREEEE

[@thehistorysquad]

LOL 👍🏻

[@hugoakerlund5114]

Cool stories! Would love to hear some more!

[@dennisadams-n4r]

you are good kevin, my dad who served in the parachute regiment in ww2 told me storys has a lad of 9 some would make the hair on the back of your stand on end keep it up GOOD STUFF all the best to you and yours

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers for that mate 👍🏻

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thank you for sharing some, of what I imagine being close to hell on earth, for much of your time in service. Thank you once again for your humour and your class. Blessings, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Arthur 👍🏻

[@darranwikeepa7079]

That's the first time I've heard of a wake in a cemetery and you definitely got more than a bird in the hand in that bush. You had me in stitches.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂 So did your comment, thanks Darran 👍🏻

[@22mm44]

Awesome video as always

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again!

[@theassening4563]

briliant stuff, I always wonder if I was to serve in some strange place... what would I do?! Im just a normal person....I think your videos give me courage to "just do my job" whatever it may be

[@mikeflanagan825]

great story telling Sir!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening 👍🏻

[@Hazonic]

Great stories, Kevin. Knowing these are stories from your own personal experience makes them so much more interesting too! Can't wait for more :)

[@thehistorysquad]

Absolutely! I'll tease them out 😉

[@jonnyhailes2105]

Hi Kev, only seeing this video now, hadnt seen it before so apologies for asking for this in the Cyprus video. 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

No prob 👍🏻

[@MZeki-gw2xg]

That’s really amazing stories, very simple occurrences but very captivating

[@FoxfirePoet]

I waited and debated watching this, because I have my own opinions about the Troubles, but in less than 2 minutes, you said the truth: every side made mistakes. Your service, sacrifice and the time you take to educate people are a very important reminder that no matter how you feel about a conflict, there's humanity on both sides. Political opinions aside, I'm glad to be your subscriber. I heard a song once about a British soldier who finds a bomb in a shop. He could have chosen to save his own life by throwing it out of the building, but he chose to die rather than endanger the civilians outside. That fundamentally changed how I viewed the Troubles.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you for your insightful comment. 👍🏻 That soldier you mention from the song, was actually sergeant in my first regiment and he lay on the bomb in a crowded bus station. When they shovelled his remains and carried him to the ambulance people spat on his corpse, such was the hatred that some people held for the British. It was a complex and terrible conflict.

[@FoxfirePoet]

@@thehistorysquad I'm truly sorry to hear that the song was a true story and that it happened to someone you knew.

[@FoxfirePoet]

@@thehistorysquad furthermore I apologize if discussing it has caused you any pain. I know it's probably harder than I can imagine.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@FoxfirePoet Thanks for your kind thoughts, it is hard sometimes and it does bring it back, but I'd prefer to have the truth told and shared, although I don't think I would never do a video on it. 👍🏻

[@FoxfirePoet]

@@thehistorysquad I hope no one ever asks you to, but I'm grateful for your candor. I apologize that a tough subject like this is what brought us to speak, but I'm thankful for the opportunity. Please keep up the fantastic work!

[@TheEvertw]

Great stories, Kevin! Wars are weird.

[@frankieblue1945]

That was great Sir. Your graveyard story had me rolling; two Soldiers turns into 18. Hi-larious. Thank you for that.