In the 1920s, Churchill sent thugs to Ireland to quell the nationalist movement there and, given their improvised uniforms, they were called the Black and Tans. They quickly established a reputation for extreme brutality. My grandfather in Mayo, for example, was beaten so savagely, he was given the Last Rights, which, in the RC church, used to be called Extreme Unction. It’s the unction part that’s of interest.
© 2024 John Oliver
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