Details
Targeted by:
HN338  (1971 - 1972)
At least spied on:
-
Overview

The Red Defence Force (RDF) was an independent group that included members of, but was distinct from, the International Marxist Group (IMG) and IMG-related Spartacus League. 

A handful of reports suggest that the RDF was an unarmed combat wing that the two groups deployed during demonstrations and that RDF members had undergone some training. However, if this was the group's purpose, the evidence suggests that RDF tactics were never put into action at any demonstration. 

Piers Corbyn, named as a member of the organisation, suggested that the RDF formed to protect the Notting Hill community from aggressive policing. Corbyn questioned the accuracy of SDS officer HN338’s reporting on the group.

Source: T1P2 Evidence Hearing.

Reports

CSV
Date
Originator
MPS-UCPI
Title
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
UCPI0000005832
Report on meeting of the working committee of the VSC planning 6 Nov demo, held at George IV pub, Pentonville Road on 19 Oct 1971
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
UCPI0000015677
Report on the International Marxist Group's Red Defence Force
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
MPS_0747786
Special Branch Annual Report 1971
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
MPS-0732360
Report on meeting of Notting Hill Spartacus League, held at Piers Corbyn's home, 17A Rendle Street W11 on 19 Jan 1972, inc minute sheet
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
UCPI0000015689
Report on the International Marxist Group’s Red Defence Force and its anticipated involvement in Vietnam War demo on 4 June 1972
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
MPS_0728970
SDS Annual Report 1972, inc letter to Home Office seeking authorisation to continue
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
UCPI0000015697
Report on the International Marxist Group’s Red Defence Force; said to exist though it hasn't been at any demos
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
UCPI0000010900
Report on a meeting of West London IMG meeting on two upcoming demonstrations (20 Jan 1973 Vietnam War and 28 Jan 1973 Bloody Sunday Commemoration), held at redacted venue on 10 Jan 1973