Note to Clifton53: My information is that the "Black and Tans" were not exclusively English (British). There were about 43,000 regular British Army troops in Ireland at that time, but the term was used to designate members of the armed Royal Irish Constabulary subsequent to about 1920. It was at that time, according to my information, that the RIC began recruiting in England, and when the new "black and tan" uniforms began to be used. I think from that time on the "Black and Tans" were increasing made up of men from England but, as far as I know, they were not exclusively non-Irish.

"The guerrillas -- now known as the Irish Republican Army -- ... probably never numbered more than about 15,000 men.... The well-equipped British forces under General Macready numbered about 43,000, with important para-military forces; the armed Royal Irish Constabulary, strengthened by recruits from England, selected for toughness -- called 'Black and Tans' for their half-military half-police uniforms -- and a force of ex-officers, organized as police auxiliaries." (O'Brien and O'Brien)

Please understand, I'm relying only on books that I have for this information, and my comments are at least 2nd-hand, and those of an "outsider" from the U.S.(although with ancestors from England, Ireland and Scotland). My original comments were based on Robert Kee's "Ireland: A History" (he also wrote "The Green Flag: A History of Irish Nationalism"). Since then I've also used "A Concise History of Ireland", by Maire and Connor Cruise O'Brien, as a source. If information I've provided is incorrect, I welcome any correction that will aid in "putting the record straight."