I am not getting dragged into who was right or wrong. Let me just say it was a shameful day on both sides the like of which I hope we never see again.
The Police
Their job was to uphold the law,and allow “scab” labour to move without the threat of violence and intimidation. Make you own minds up on that or did Margeret Thatcher send word down to crush the strikers at any cost
The Strikers
Was it necessary to turn out in such force? I have sympathy for them when they had no money bills to pay and empty stomachs at home.
I have experience with riots in Ireland and I think any truthfull soldier will tell you that facing a mob hurling everything at you from rocks petrol bombs and rolling burning vehicles at you you get scared. All I had for protection was a pick handle a bloody useless shield and a flimsy visor not forgetting the guy at the back with a fire extinguiser to put you out.
The Rabble rousers/Commanders were always at the back(both sides) and we used snatch squads to try and get them.
For those to young to remember watch this(OK its biased but give you an idea of that day)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHyb7ELmHbA&feature=player_detailpage
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