Hi all
Fise, I agree with you.Whilst there are parallels between the conduct of the Old IRA and the Provos, in that civilians were deliberately targeted, the Old IRA did not engage in deliberate mass bombings of utterly innocent civvies.Rather they targeted those who were percieved as class enemies such as landlords and Crown agents such as ground rent collectors.That, at least, was the excuse used to burn down the homes of the landed gentry, although it was often merely out of spite rather than for any actual political end.My grandfather told me that several men were expelled from his IRA unit for attempted murder of the wives and children of Protestants,sometimes at the scene of house burnngs, theft,(in the same circumstances), score-settling (attempts to kill or injure rivals from other towns or villages)and various other acts that were deemed too unsavoury.At least one individual was thrown out for committing a sexual assault.He fled to England!..He stated that it was common policy to warn RIC men, who were mostly Irish Catholics, to quit the RIC or be shot.This caused bitterness because of the economic loss to the RIC families, but at least a warning was given, though not always.Irish girls who went out with British soldiers were warned off and repeat offenders were tarred and feathered, an act which had parallels in the North.He stated that whilst the average Tommy was often left alone, because of the prevalence of Irish in the ranks, the Tans and Auxiliaries were considered fair game.Bombs were only ever directed at the Military.The concept of bombing a public place was looked upon with revulsion.
Whilst there are parallels,the Old IRA maintained, I would say, a greater morality and adherence to at least a nominal level of respect for the rules of war and civil conduct.
regards
GttC