by Keith Styles (Ortyga Press – 197–)
‘It seems likely that the “Quarry Slaughter” – as it swiftly became known – had a cathartic effect upon the moral attitudes of the British people. An unprecedented expenditure of police life – killings on a scale unique since the last troubles in Ireland – and all for a few young men on motorcycles. Although that is a gross simplification, that is, none-the-less, the way that it seemed to the majority of folk.’
‘The real story of the Hell’s Angels, and particularly of the gang – or chapter – involved is, of course, far from being untarnished. They were certainly responsible for deaths and for crimes of violence. But, as Mr. John Citizen and his wife saw, that over fifty policemen had died, that not one single outlaw survived to face the majesty of the legal system, that shotguns and, even hand-grenades were employed, then they began to question the wisdom of their leaders. Words such as “overkill” and “credibility-gap” began to be bandied about.
‘Questions were asked on street-corners, in factories, shops, offices and homes. Most of all, in homes. Newspapers asked questions. Radio and television asked questions. In both Houses of Parliament, in open meeting and in secret cabal, and even on the very floor of the House of Commons, questions were asked. The only trouble was – there was no single person in authority who was able to answer them.’
‘Attempts were made to track down the survivors of the raid. George Hayes appeared personally on television and said publicly that the animals would be brought to justice. But, they were not. So he offered to resign. And his offer was accepted. But, people were still not satisfied. The Number One record that month was called “An eagle flying free, above a land of crows”. Everyone understood!’
‘The Prime Minister decided finally to go to the country over the moral issue that had been raised. Most opinion polls indicated that he would succeed. But they discounted one thing. A factor that one pundit – with the glib phraseology that can often come from hindsight – called the “Robin Hood Syndrome”. Meaning that a certain amount of public sympathy had been aroused for what seemed to them to be the underdogs. Wolf and his small band of brothers had vanished into the mountain fastness of Snowdonia. The whole forces of law and order, with all their most sophisticated equipment could not find them.’
‘Sympathy snowballed and the folk-heroes remained hidden. The victims were all buried (or cremated). In the grave (or up the chimney) with them plunged the British Labour Party, rending itself to the last. Socialism and Repression both died in that sandy quarry in the early hours of that July morning.’