Model 1904 Mannlicher 7.92 mm bolt action rifle, Ulster Volunteer Force, 1914 (c)

German rifle with butt marked, 'U.V.F. For God and Ulster' with Hand of Ulster emblem.

Determined to resist Irish Home Rule, Ulster unionists formed the Ulster Volunteer Force in 1913. In response, Irish nationalists established the Irish Volunteers and Irish Citizen Army. Short of weapons these paramilitary groups smuggled arms into Ireland and prepared for conflict.