History of armoured Land Rovers in Northern Ireland
Due to the unique threat of terrorism faced by police officers in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, the RUC had long used armoured vehicles to provide protection to its officers. The first to be based on the Land Rover appeared in 1957, on a Series 1 109" wheelbase pick-up body (registration WZ 599, fleet number 233). This incorporated only a basic level of protection, designed to repel bricks and bottles in a public order situation. An expanded metal cage was fitted over the rear cargo bed and lined with hardboard to prevent sharp objects being thrust through the cage. Similar expanded metal grilles protected the windows and headlights on the vehicle to prevent them being broken by thrown projectiles.
It was not long however, before the police came under attack with firearms, against which the cages and hardboard of the early Land Rovers provided... Read More