Charlie Hurley took command of the brigade during Tom Barry's illness in 1920.
[2] Its actions were focused on the West Cork area, and included the Kilmichael Ambush in November 1920, which resulted in the deaths of 18 members of the Auxiliary Division, and the Crossbarry Ambush of March 1921, during which the unit escaped encirclement by 1,200 British troops.
For example, a planned attack on a Black and Tan barracks in Kilbrittain was called-off after two aborted attempts.
Towards the end of 1920, members the unit planned an attack on the barracks, proposing to plant a mine against a door or wall and to storm the barracks immediately after it exploded.
A "home-made" mine was made, consisting of 30 pounds of gelignite and gun cotton encased in a wooden box.