The 9th (County Antrim) Battalion, Ulster Defence Regiment was formed in 1972 from two companies of the 1st Battalion Ulster Defence Regiment creating a second battalion in County Antrim. It was amalgamated with 1 UDR in 1984 to form 1/9 UDR.
History
The battalion was formed in 1972 from the two companies of the 1st Battalion Ulster Defence Regiment who were based in the south of the county, creating a second battalion in County Antrim.[1] Battalion headquarters, HQ Company and one other were based at Steeple Camp, Antrim, a remnant of World War II beside the railway station. Two companies were based in Lisburn and one at Carrickfergus.[1]
The Grand Central Hotel, used as accommodation by 9 UDR
The battalion was mobilised, along with the rest of the regiment, for Operation Motorman. The UDR provided 5300 soldiers in support of the regular army. After this there was a battalion mobilisation of 9 UDR to help guard the new Belfast city centre segment. This was a zone in the commercial heart of Belfast where 41 streets had been sealed off with barbed wire entanglements and steel fences to prevent explosives being brought in. No cars could be parked there and all shoppers and workers entering the few open streets being searched. Accommodation was found for them in the former Grand Central Hotel in Royal Avenue which was being used as an army base for the city centre.[3]
Lance Corporal L. Colin Houston, aged 30, was killed at his home in Dunmurry by gunmen from the Irish National Liberation Army on 20 January 1984. Lance Corporal Houston died in his wife's arms. He had only recently joined the training team at the UDR's Ballykinlar Training Camp.[4]
A Testimony to Courage – the Regimental History of the Ulster Defence Regiment 1969 – 1992, John Potter, Pen & Sword Books Ltd, 2001, ISBN0-85052-819-4
The Ulster Defence Regiment: An Instrument of Peace?, Chris Ryder 1991 ISBN0-413-64800-1
Lost Lives, David McKittrick, Mainstream, 2004, ISBN184018504X
