the auxiliary division of the royal irish constabulary (adric), generally known as the auxiliaries or auxies, was a paramilitary unit of the royal irish constabulary (ric) during the irish war of independence. it was set up in july 1920 and made up of former british army officers, most of whom came from great britain. its role was to conduct counter-insurgency operations against the irish republican army (ira). the auxiliaries became infamous for their reprisals on civilians and civilian property in revenge for ira actions, the best known example of which was the burning of cork city in december 1920.