The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) is a loyalist paramilitary (civilians trained as soldiers) group based in Northern Ireland. It was formed in 1966. Its name comes from the UVF of World War I. The Ulster Volunteer Force was started as a Protestant/Unionist militia (citizen military force) in 1912 to oppose the Home Rule campaign for a separate Irish parliament. Many UVF members formed the 36th (Ulster) Division that fought with the British Army in World War I. The Progressive Unionist Party is the political wing of the outlawed Ulster Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando. Although the PUP is called a loyalist fringe party, it has more moderate unionist views than any of the traditional unionist parties.
Ulster Volunteer Force
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF)?
A: The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) is a loyalist paramilitary group based in Northern Ireland.
Q: When was the UVF formed?
A: The UVF was formed in 1966.
Q: What was the UVF's original purpose?
A: The UVF was originally formed as a Protestant/Unionist militia in 1912 to oppose the Home Rule campaign for a separate Irish parliament.
Q: What is the significance of the UVF's name?
A: The UVF's name comes from the UVF of World War I, which many of its members were part of.
Q: What is the Progressive Unionist Party?
A: The Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) is the political wing of the outlawed Ulster Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando.
Q: How does the PUP compare to traditional unionist parties?
A: Although the PUP is called a loyalist fringe party, it has more moderate unionist views than any of the traditional unionist parties.
Q: What was the UVF's role in World War I?
A: Many UVF members formed the 36th (Ulster) Division that fought with the British Army in World War I.