Prince of Wales praises ‘courage and heroism’ of RUC officers at centenary service

Almost 500 people attended the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Church and political leaders joined former RUC and Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers to mark the occasion. The event was organised by the RUC George Cross Foundation (RUC GC).

The Prince of Wales, who is a patron of the RUC GC, was unable to attend in person but praised the “acts of courage and heroism” by RUC officers.

In a message he said the RUC delivered policing through some of the “most challenging times in our shared history”.

The prince paid tribute to officers who “worked diligently” to protect people and communities – “a tradition of service that is continued today by the PSNI”.

Prince Charles added: “In this centenary year, it is deeply appropriate that we mark together the sacrifices, honour the acts of courage and heroism and pay tribute to the achievements of all those who served in the RUC.

“We remember particularly the widows and families and those who supported the serving personnel with such fortitude and devotion.

“During my recent visit to Belfast, I had the particular pleasure of meeting some of the RUC GC family and hearing their personal experiences.

“It was a meeting that has left an indelible impression on me and, while I cannot be in Belfast today, please know that you are all very much in my thoughts as you commemorate this centenary of policing in Northern Ireland.”

The RUC came into existence on June 1, 1922, following the disbanding of the Royal Irish Constabulary. The force was awarded the George Cross by The Queen for collective gallantry in 1999, shortly before it was renamed as the PSN.

Since the formation of the RUC a century ago, 462 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.

More than 10,000 others have been injured, including 300 who were left severely disabled.

The service was conducted by the Dean of Belfast, Reverend Stephen Forde, and featured contributions from the Police Male Voice Choir and the PSNI Ladies Choir.

In his sermon, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, the Reverend John McDowell, expressed gratitude for the dedication of those who served.

He told the congregation: “They did it to keep their families safe, and because it was their conviction that if they didn’t serve, then the future was either going to be in the hands of a revolutionary junta or a rabble of gangsters and drug dealers. Both groups would have swept away much of what officers of the RUC GC have held dear.

“… There is hardly a parish church in the dioceses where I served that does not have a grave in the churchyard or a memorial in the church building to a member of the RUC who was murdered, some in the most horrific of circumstances. Deaths which achieved nothing except to break hearts.”

The Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Mrs Fionnuala Jay O’Boyle, CBE, represented The Queen at the service. Also present were PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne and former chief constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan; An Garda Síochána Commissioner Drew Harris, and representatives of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland and the Gardai.

Afterwards, the chair of the RUC GC Foundation, Professor Stephen White OBE, who served in both the RUC and the PSNI before retiring as an assistant chief constable, said the cathedral service was “a high point” in the calendar of events this year to honour the memory of officers who provided a “professional, fair and courageous service”.

He added: “We have great pride in our achievements and how we contributed to the creation of a new era for Northern Ireland. This was an occasion to honour the brave service of officers and their commitment to peace.

“This was about the people we lost and those they left behind. Families are at the forefront of our minds, and today it was important they were able to remember with pride their loved ones who were cruelly taken from them.”

However, Professor White recognised that not all members of the community would be honouring the RUC.

“Nowadays, there is a determined effort to blacken the good name and reputation of the RUC,” he said.

“No effort is spared to pillory and condemn those of us who wore the uniform.

“What’s often overlooked is the fact that if it wasn’t for the RUC, the death toll during the ‘Troubles’ would have been far greater than the 3,500 who were killed.

“They interrupted terrorists in the act of transporting bombs or preparing murderous gun attacks.

“They frustrated terrorist intentions, and there’s little doubt that thousands of people walking the streets today owe their lives to the steadfast, determined and professional men and women of the RUC.

“Their success is perhaps one reason why the RUC is the focus of so much opprobrium. But for the vast majority of this community, the RUC, honoured with the George Cross for acts of heroism and conspicuous courage, there is pride and appreciation.”

Professor White said the bulk of the RUC’s casualties, 302 men and women, were “murdered in terrorist attacks during ‘the Troubles’” between 1969 and 1998.

“It is no exaggeration to say that the RUC contributed massively to creating the space for peace to take root and flourish,” he said.

“The price that was paid was high and although our peace today is imperfect, it is far better than the dark days of the past.

“The annual service of thanksgiving has added poignancy given that it will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the RUC.

“We will remember those who served down the decades and keep front and centre the families of officers who paid the ultimate price.

“We owe these families a deep debt of gratitude. They shared the great ordeal of stress and danger whenever their loved ones went out to work. For many, the vivid last image of a murdered family member remains indelible.

“Remembrance is an essential part of what we do as we look back on the selfless and brave commitment of officers. Families have endured pain, and this service is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for your steadfastness and dignity.”