BattlefieldsBattle of St Matthew's
modern

Battle of St Matthew's

1970
northern_ireland
Era
modern
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
northern_ireland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Ulster loyalists: Unknown number of gunmen, and rioters
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Provisional IRA; Belfast Brigade; Citizens' Defence Committee: 1 active service unit (about a dozen IRA volunteers)
Outcome
IRA victory
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of St Matthew's or Battle of Short Strand was a gun battle that took place on the night of 27–28 June 1970 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was fought between the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), and Ulster loyalists in the area around St Matthew's Roman Catholic church. This lies at the edge of the Short Strand, a Catholic enclave in a mainly-Protestant part of the city. Violence had erupted there, and in other parts of Belfast, following marches by the Orange Order. The battle lasted about five hours and ended at dawn when loyalists withdrew.

Suspected site. The exact location is uncertain.
Casualties & Losses

Provisional IRA; Belfast Brigade; Citizens' Defence Committee: 1 killed; 1+ wounded | Ulster loyalists: 2 killed; Unknown wounded

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources