August 1974: The Balcombe Street Gang

In this episode of Tales of the Troubles, we explore the arrival of the Provisional IRA’s Balcombe Street Gang in London—sent as sleeper cells to await orders. Against a backdrop of nuclear tests abroad and rising tensions at home, August 1974 saw covert deployments, deadly shootings, and bombings across Northern Ireland. From the killing of Patrick McElhone to the IRA’s remote-controlled attacks, this instalment traces the shadow war unfolding in both rural fields and urban streets.