picture 181497

In 1974, the National Republican Guard (GNR) was expecting the delivery of 38 Shorland Mark III armoured patrol vehicles. Originally designed for use by the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland, the Shorland was essentially a Land Rover with Makrolon armour plate protecting the body and rear from small arms fire. This vehicle sported a single 7.62mm FN MAG machine gun but was primarily designed for riot control; for that purpose, it was fitted with smoke and tear gas grenade launchers. The Shorland posed a potential threat to the coup planners, since the GNR was favourable to the regime. On 25 April, however, the GNR had only three functional vehicles available, and those were unarmed. (Artwork by David Bocquelet)