Timeline of Ulster Defence Regiment Operations - 1971

1971

• January - 1, 3 & 7 UDR conduct an operation under the command of 7 UDR to seal off perimeter roads around Belfast preventing the movement of munitons into the city.
• 17 January - 2 & 3 UDR called out to close off all roads south of Belfast leading to the border in the wake of escapes from the prison ship Maidstone.
• 18 January - a patrol from the Kilkeel company of 3 UDR as part of the operation come under fire from approximately 12 IRA men south of Carlingford Lough at Narrow Water. The ensuing gun battle lasts for 20 minutes with the UDR expending 101 rounds and taking approximately 150 inbound.
• April - 5 & 6 UDR seal off the west of Derry city for 60 hours while rioting takes place in the city centre. 3 UDR deploy a tactical HQ to Crossmaglen to relieve the Scots Greys and Guards Parachute Company for other duties.
• July - guard commences on vulnerable police stations. 29 July to 13 August - The regiment is called out for Operation Motorman. 5 UDR seals off Derry city. 7 & 10 UDR seal off Belfast. 2 UDR finds bomb-making equipment during a search operation near Portadown. 3 UDR arrests 5 PIRA operatives near Downpatrick and recovers £900 stolen from a bank in Carryduff, along with four handguns. 8 UDR arrests two men who threw revolvers out of a car window. 10 UDR opens fire on a car on the Shore Road, Belfast and wounds a suspect. 3 UDR boat section stops and searches 40 vessels off the County Down coast.
• 9 August to 13 September - the regiment is called out to assist with internment by relieving the regular Army from normal duties. 5 UDR searches 40,000 vehicles over 196 vehicle check points, and 3 UDR takes over the 24-hour guard on the Prime Minister Edward Heath's home.