Ulster Vanguard

The Ulster Vanguard movement was essentially a political pressure group within unionism. It was formed on 9 February 1972 and was led by William Craig (former Minister of Home Affairs at Stormont); deputy leaders were the Rev. Martin Smyth and Captain Austin Ardill. Other members included David Trimble and Reg Empey. Ulster Vanguard advocated a semi-independent Northern Ireland. It was also the intention that Vanguard would provide an umbrella organisation for Loyalists. Ulster Vanguard had close links with, and strong support from Loyalist paramilitary groups. Vanguard had its own paramilitary grouping called the Vanguard Service Corps (USC) whose main function seemed to be to provide escorts for Vanguard speakers attending rallies. Vanguard held a large rally on 18 March 1972 in Belfast's Ormeau Park at which Craig said that "We must build up the dossiers on the men and women who are a menace to this country, because one day, ladies and gentlement, if the politicians fail, it will be our duty to liquidate the enemy". Vanguard also staged a two-day strike in protest at the prorogation of Stormont. In April 1972 Vanguard issued a policy statement 'Ulster - A Nation' which said that Northern Ireland might have to consider Independence. Vanguard was wound up in March 1973 with the formation of the Vanguard Unionist Progressive Party (VUPP) - the word 'progressive' was later dropped from the title. However, Ulster Vanguard reappeared in 1978 when the VUPP ended as a political party. Selection of Publications produced by Ulster Vanguard: Ulster Vanguard. (1972). Ulster - A Nation, (April, 1972). Belfast: Ulster Vanguard. Lindsay, Kennedy. (1972). Dominion of Ulster?, Belfast: Ulster Vanguard. Ulster Vanguard. (n.d.?). Ulster's Finances. Belfast: Ulster Vanguard. Craig, William. (n.d.,1972?). The Future of Northern Ireland. Belfast: Ulster Vanguard. Ulster Vanguard. (n.d.,1972?). Community of the British Isles. Belfast: Ulster Vanguard. (See also: Vanguard Unionist Progressive Party; VUPP.)